Trans marriage
PROGRESS IN AUSTRIA ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY FOR TRANSGENDERS
“just two more letters…”
The subject line of this media release is accurate, yes Austria in Europe. It would be great, if on, 3 December following the ALP National conference, we could add just two more letters to the subject line and make it ‘Australia’.
The country in Europe ruled it unconstitutional in 2006 that trans people needed to divorce their partner on amending their documentation. Here in Australia, we still have situations of “forced trans divorce.” This is where a trans person, having met all requirements to change their birth certificate, cannot do so because this would “create” a same-sex marriage.
Currently marriage in Australia is defined as M and F according to the birth certificates of the partners at the time of the marriage – in plain language, heterosexual marriage. This can cause partners with no irreconcilable differences to either divorce, often at financial cost, or leave the trans person in a state of limbo regarding documentation if they stay married.
“This ‘Hobsons Choice'” could be easily eliminated by the ALP voting to make marriage equality a part of its party platform at its national conference” stated Transgender Victoria spokesperson Sally Goldner.
“This would create marriage equality regardless of the sexual orientation, sex and/or gender identity of the two partners i.e. marriage between two adults. This would make everything simple without complications and end the need for unfair choices.
We note that implementing civil unions will do nothing to eliminate the current no-win situation.”
Goldner noted the final piece of progress in Vienna, Austria was the recent change of the labelling on the certificate from “man” and “woman.”
“The previous lack of alteration of the certificate not only relates to marriage issues, it also is discriminatory and an invasion of privacy.
As we approach Transgender Day of Remembrance on 20 November, we call on all 9 governments in Australia to ensure our laws give the most comprehensive protection from discrimination and reflect the current reality for the identity of transgender people.”
“Most of all, we look forward to the passing of marriage equality laws and seeing appropriate certificates being issued for all the loving couples who want that recognition.”
Then we won’t have any more confusion between Australia and Austria!
For more information contact Sally Goldner on 0407 946 242.
The subject line of this media release is accurate, yes Austria in Europe. It would be great, if on, 3 December following the ALP National conference, we could add just two more letters to the subject line and make it ‘Australia’.
The country in Europe ruled it unconstitutional in 2006 that trans people needed to divorce their partner on amending their documentation. Here in Australia, we still have situations of “forced trans divorce.” This is where a trans person, having met all requirements to change their birth certificate, cannot do so because this would “create” a same-sex marriage.
Currently marriage in Australia is defined as M and F according to the birth certificates of the partners at the time of the marriage – in plain language, heterosexual marriage. This can cause partners with no irreconcilable differences to either divorce, often at financial cost, or leave the trans person in a state of limbo regarding documentation if they stay married.
“This ‘Hobsons Choice'” could be easily eliminated by the ALP voting to make marriage equality a part of its party platform at its national conference” stated Transgender Victoria spokesperson Sally Goldner.
“This would create marriage equality regardless of the sexual orientation, sex and/or gender identity of the two partners i.e. marriage between two adults. This would make everything simple without complications and end the need for unfair choices.
We note that implementing civil unions will do nothing to eliminate the current no-win situation.”
Goldner noted the final piece of progress in Vienna, Austria was the recent change of the labelling on the certificate from “man” and “woman.”
“The previous lack of alteration of the certificate not only relates to marriage issues, it also is discriminatory and an invasion of privacy.
As we approach Transgender Day of Remembrance on 20 November, we call on all 9 governments in Australia to ensure our laws give the most comprehensive protection from discrimination and reflect the current reality for the identity of transgender people.”
“Most of all, we look forward to the passing of marriage equality laws and seeing appropriate certificates being issued for all the loving couples who want that recognition.”
Then we won’t have any more confusion between Australia and Austria!
For more information contact Sally Goldner on 0407 946 242.
