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 < Back Government half-hearted on Gay Law Reform May 6th 2003 - Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, has asked "Why is the Premier allowing a conscience vote on Gay Law reform, rather than committing his party to it?' "The Democrats have been campaigning to remove this anachronistic discrimination since it was recommended by the 1997 Wood Royal Commission inquiry into paedophiles." Although the Premier is supporting the proposed reforms, Dr Chesterfield-Evans is wary of comments of the Attorney-General, Mr Bob Debus, that Labor M.P.'s will be given a conscience vote. "The last time the Upper House debated the bill, 7 ALP members voted against the bill and it was defeated by 1 vote." "The Government has increased its majority by 2 but there may be more conservative members who will vote against the bill than last time." "I fear that on past experience, the bill will be defeated." "The Government did not have a conscience vote on Workers Compensation, which was very divisive for many ALP members, nor on Disorderly Houses, even though the changes favoured big brothels against private sex workers. The Government is willing to risk or even lose the bill, rather than take a principled stand". "I call on both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition to take a stand and get their respective parties to support the legislation!" concluded Dr Chesterfield-Evans. |
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updated:
August 14, 2003
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