NSW: Many Aussies offended by PM s view on family: HREOC

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2000
NSW: Many Aussies offended by PM s view on family: HREOC

SYDNEY, Aug 2 AAP - Scores of Australians would be offended by the view that only a
mum and dad should be allowed to raise children, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
Commission (HREOC) said today.

Federal sex discrimination officer Susan Halliday said Prime Minister John Howard's
comments that children were entitled to the love and affection of a mother and father,
had ignored the number of single parents and blended families in the community.

She was speaking out following Mr Howard's decision to move an amendment to overturn
a Federal Court decision that a ban on single women wanting to use a Victorian IVF program
was in breach of the Sex Discrimination Act.

"I think that is probably very offensive to a lot of Australians", Ms Halliday told reporters.

She said it would be dangerous to tamper with the federal legislation.

"There is nothing wrong with the federal sex discrimination act.

"The act has been in place for 16 years and it provides every Australian with a basic
set of principles around the persons right to equality ... the flaw rests with the ...

Victorian fertility legislation."

Ms Halliday said she was surprised and very concerned about the government's lack of
consultation on the issue.

There was no consultation with herself or the HREOC or doctors or other relevant constituent
groups.

"There is no doubt Australians should be concerned about this lack of consultation
and the precedent it sets."

AAP km/maur mg

KEYWORD: IVF SEX

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.