Advocacy Skills
ADVOCACY SKILLS AND AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SYSTEMSFor this essay I have chosen to discuss the issue of legal recognition of same sex couples, which I feel has become a major welfare issue affecting many couples within the gay and lesbian community.1. In the past few years in Australia there has been a major push by members of the gay and lesbian community, lobby groups and some political parties to fight for the legal recognition of same sex couples. Requests and action plans have been put forward by these groups for change to some of the current Australian government legislation. As it now stands, the current legislation puts same sex couples at a severe disadvantage both financially and legally in regards to issues such as superannuation, death benefits, immigration, adoption, child custody, health funds, taxation and many others. A change to the current legislation to recognize same sex couples (whether it be through marriage or a relationship registrar) would bring them to an equal financial and legal stance as their heterosexual counterparts and put an end to what these couples and other members of the community believe is blatant discrimination of their right to equality.
Same sex couples and their children (if they have them) who have been in loving, long term, committed relationships are now facing the devastating and crippling effects of this discriminatory legislation when they separate, a partner dies or they want to conceive or adopt children etc. I would use this information to advocate for change and encourage others to take action through advocacy by phone, by writing letters, emails and faxes outlining the clients concerns and issues to local council representatives, state and federal members of parliament, government departments and newspapers editors. I believe this is definitely a human rights issue that is truly a severe injustice to valid members of our community and certainly worth advocating for. The information gathered could also be used in an educational campaign targeting the general community as most people are unaware of the unfairness and inequality of the legislation and how same sex couples are affected. I would access this information by talking to same sex couples within the gay and lesbian community; ask what is going on and how this legislation is affecting their everyday lives. The client's rights that are relevant to their need for advocacy are the right to live a life which is equal to all others lives, free from discrimination and prejudice. For example: a gay client came in who's partner of twenty years had died. All of these processes can leave lasting impressions on the overall community and put pressure on powerful people within the government to make changes that are fair and just for all of its members, not just some of its members. I could hold meetings or forums, conduct polls or surveys, look on the internet for information and comments, look up the current legislation, place advertisements in gay and lesbian newspapers and magazines requesting same sex couples thoughts, ideas and feedback on the current legislation.
Common topics in this essay:
United Nations,
ASSESSMENT TASK,
sex couples,
SPEAK LOUDER,
current legislation,
human rights,
gay lesbian,
recognition sex couples,
legal recognition sex,
gay lesbian community,
couples feel,
recognition sex,
legal recognition,
lesbian community,
Human Rights,
human rights issue,
issue truly,
truly severe,
definitely human rights,
|
Acceptance Essays
