IRELAND, NETHERLANDS URGE AUSTRALIA TO AMEND MARRIAGE LEGISLATION
- Nov 11, 2015
- 1 min read
(Photo: Independent Australia)
Australia has come under fire due to its antiquated policies regarding marriage equality and refugee status throughout a review of its human rights records by the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council). The Human Rights Council’s UPR (Universal Periodic Review) occurs every four years in an attempt to promote and protect human rights “in the darkest corners of the world,” according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Having amended the definition of marriage in its constitution earlier this year, Ireland has called upon Australia to change its marriage laws as well. Iceland and The Netherlands have also urged Australia to catch up to the western world, stating that they have fallen being by refusing to recognize marriage equality.
The Netherlands explains that Australia’s Marriage Act discriminates against the LGBTQ community and recommends that the Marriage Act of 1961 be revised so as to ensure full equality with respect to the civil institution of marriage.
Germany has also been pressing Australia to embrace national legislature that prohibits the sterilization of intersex adults and children without their consent.
At UPR meeting, Australia willingly committed to excluding the exemption for legislation that is included in the federal Sex Discrimination Act that protects LGBTQ people against discrimination. It will take effect in August 2016 and is expected to impact adoption laws, parenting laws, birth certificates, and body searches of intersex and transgender individuals.
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