MEDIA RELEASE
25 August 2004

Unions Back Civil Rights Bills

Unions are standing up against the misinformation and prejudice of those who deny basic human rights to others solely because of their sexual orientation, Council of Trade Unions secretary Carol Beaumont told MPs today.

The CTU presented its submission on the Civil Union Bill and the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill to the justice and electoral select committee this morning.

“Unions are very concerned about the level of prejudice and discrimination fuelled by some groups during public debates on these pieces of legislation,” Carol Beaumont said.

“Many unions were present at the rally at Parliament this week in support of human rights and were horrified at the intolerance and harassment from those opposed to the Civil Union Bill.”

Areas of particular concern for queer workers are discrimination and harassment at work based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and same sex partners being excluded from partnership benefits.

“Unions support these Bills because they are about giving everyone a fair go by recognising same-sex and de facto relationships under the law,” Carol Beaumont said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media