URGENT - GOVT PROPOSES REMOVING 'MARITAL STATUS' CLAUSE FROM SEX
DISCRIMINATION ACT
Over the past few days it has come to my attention that there has been
discussion by the Federal Government about removing the 'marital status'
clause from the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984. Like all other
areas of discrimination covered by the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the
ground of marital status discrimination is taken directly from the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW).
The purpose and spirit of CEDAW is to eliminate discrimination against
women in all its forms, which includes discrimination on the basis of
marital status. Several specific references to marital status
discrimination exist in CEDAW, including articles 1, 3 and 11(2).
The right to be free from discrimination on the basis of marital status has
been enshrined in Australian law since 1984. To alter this right is to
legislate in a manner that is in conflict with CEDAW. It should also be
pointed out that removal of marital status to achieve one aim could cause
unexpected ramifications, and conflicts, in the operations of the Act.
Act now. Write to the Prime Minister and register your objection to ANY
changes to the Sex Discrimination Act. Any erosion in the human rights of
Australian women is totally unacceptable. Copy your letters, emails etc to
Daryl Williams (Attorney General), and Senator Jocelyn Newman (Minister for
Status of Women).
It has been reported back that 90% of the letters received by the Govt in
relation to the IVF debate, are "in favour" of John Howard's position on
the issue. It appears that the PM is claiming this as 'overwhelming
community support' for his proposal to amend the Sex Discrimination Act.
So, if you haven't already done so, please email, fax, ring or write to:
John Howard and state your OBJECTIONS to his interference in women's human
rights. Send a copy of whatever you write to the Attorney General Daryl
Williams. ACT NOW.
All Ministers will be in Canberra for the parliamentary sitting this coming
week. They can be written to at Parliament House, Canberra, 2600.
John Howard
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Fax: 02 6273 4100
Daryl Williams
Phone: 02 6277 7300
Fax: 02 6273 4102
Jocelyn Newman
Phone: 6277 7560
Fax: 6273 4122
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Christina Ryan
___________________________
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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