I have read that you are intending to send to committee a bill designed to give us a little bit more equality. My partner and I have been together for over 15 years. We both work and pay taxes. We both participate in our communities. We are both accepted by our families. We are just like any other couple in Australia, except we are same sex. Because of this we have been denied many benefits. Surely as taxpayers we are entitled to the same benefits as every other couple in Australia.

Last year the HROEC identfied 58 laws that discriminated against us. When you were part of the government your party refused to even consider reform. Since Labor has come to power they have identified more discriminatory laws, bringing the total to around 100.

Still you seem to believe that we are second class citizens. Still you plan to deny us benefits that all other couples in Australia have.

This does not need to go to committee. It is a simple question of making sure all legitimate couples get the same rights. I urge you to reconsider your stance and allow this bill to pass the Senate.