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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 3 Hansard (11 March) . . Page.. 849 ..

The second stage is to look at the detail of the more complex issues surrounding same-sex relationships and how they are addressed under law. That debate will occur for the remainder of this year, so it is wrong of the opposition to say this needs to go to a committee now, or that we need to establish a hierarchy now.

On behalf of the government and personally, the government's view is that there should not be a hierarchy of relationships-all relationships should be treated equally, and should be addressed equally, under law.

Mrs Burke: We are not talking about a hierarchy, but further consultation-it is time for consultation.

MR SPEAKER: Order!

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, the Assembly will have that debate when the second stage of the work undertaken by the Attorney-General is progressed. That is when that debate will be had, so don't try to muddy the waters. Don't try to stir up what is very much a technical bill for the purpose of removal of discriminatory language and references within the broader policy issues that are the second stage of the government's reform agenda. We welcome the debate-we are prepared to have the debate-but this legislation does not concern the issues you raise.

The other point I need to mention in this discussion is the notion that political correctness is weighing us down; that political correctness is undermining our capacity to debate this issue rationally. The only people not debating this issue rationally are those who cite political correctness as the reason to avoid engaging in the debate, or their fearfulness of engaging in the debate.

This issue should be debated on its merits and on the principles we all strive to achieve in this place-or those I would like to think we all strive to achieve in this place. Equity, equality under the law, and fairness-that is what the objectives are about. I would be interested to hear Mr Cornwell's argument about why it is fair to discriminate against people simply because they are, for instance, in a same-sex relationship. Let's have the debate on the principle. Don't hide behind political correctness. Don't hide behind that as a reason to not engage in the debate, or feel you are unable to participate in the debate because you will be shouted down. Argue the issue on its principle-on its merits.

If Mr Cornwell sincerely believes it is fair and equitable to see the traditional marriage relationship as above and beyond that of a relationship between two people of the same sex, for example, then let us hear him make the argument. Do not hide behind political correctness. Do not hide behind that whole notion. Argue it on the merits of equity and fairness. That is what it is about.

Mr Speaker, this legislation is important. It is an important first step. The contentious elements are still ahead of us, but I have confidence that the majority in this chamber will see the value, merit, and fundamental fairness which lies beneath the reforms the government is implementing today.

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