Bill on same-sex domestic violence welcomed
By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — Gay and lesbian organisations have welcomed the passage of Queensland government legislation giving same-sex couples the same access to domestic violence protection as that given to heterosexual couples. Under the new laws, passed on November 12, homosexual couples in violent relationships would have access to support systems.
The Labor government made late changes to the Domestic Violence Family Protection Bill to broaden the definition of the term "spouse". The law gives victims easier access to apprehended violence orders, relationship and personal counselling and other physical and emotional protection measures.
National Party, One Nation and independent MPs said the amendment threatened the moral fibre of Queenslanders, and one National MP said those responsible for it would be "struck down" by Jesus Christ.
Premier Peter Beattie said that if the opposition opposed the legislation, it "supported violence in relationships. The truth is, there is domestic violence amongst same-sex couples in the same way there is among married couples."
The legislation was carried by the ALP majority.
Linda Baccaul-Petrie of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Association said on November 12 that the gay community welcomed the legislation, but were saddened by the negative reaction the amendment received.
"But we are absolutely delighted and we know there are people who have been in the queer community as activists for a decade who have fought so hard to accomplish this."