Recognition of same-sex relationships Same-sex relationships have always been a controversial legal issue, and there has been a variety of legal and non-legal responses, coming from a range of different viewpoints regarding the issue. In recent years, there has been many law reforms recognising same sex relationships, which include changes to Medicare, tax, social security, superannuation, worker’s compensation, child support, and allowing people in same-sex relationships to adopt children. These legal reforms come about as a result of extensive lobbying by non-government groups and organisations designed to promote the recognition of same-sex relationships in Australia. Traditionally, people involved in homosexual relationships have suffered social persecution in Australia, and there was no legal recognition of their relationship. In recent decades however, these social views have changed, and the law has adapted to reflect societies changing opinion of same-sex relationships. While there has been progress in the recognition of same-sex relationships, the ultimate goal of advocates for same-sex relationships is for them to be seen as equal to opposite-sex relationships, in all regards. The main focus point of this aim for equality is the legalisation of same-sex marriage , which is a highly controversial issue, and has proven difficult for supporters of same-sex relationships to achieve. One of the major problems that same-sex couples fighting for recognition of their relationship faced, was that the modern definition of marriage was derived from the case Hyde v. Hyde and Woodmansee [1866], which states marriage must be: Between a man and a woman. Voluntarily entered into. To the exclusion of all others. For life… … middle of paper … …get equal legal & financial rights for same-sex couples as opposite-sex couples. It states that while it will not allow same-sex marriage, it provides homosexual de facto couples the same rights that heterosexual de facto couples have. Article: Same-sex couples wary of changes to benefits The Sydney Morning Herald, Stephanie Peatling – June 20th, 2009. Description of article: This article explains the concerns which people in homosexual relationships have over the change in laws which would make them equal to heterosexual couples. The main concern is that they may be publicly outed as being part of a homosexual couple when they want to keep it secret, otherwise they wouldn’t be able to receive the benefits. Bibliography www.coalitionforequality.org.au www.australianmarriageequality.com The Sydney Morning Herald Legal Briefs volume 15, Edition 1.
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