No marriage in government's gay reforms

Same-sex couples will continue to be denied marriage, adoption rights and IVF despite the government's decision to remove discrimination against gays in a range of commonwealth laws.

The government will introduce legislation to parliament next month to amend more than 100 areas of commonwealth law including superannuation, taxation, social security and health care.

The changes, which are yet to be costed, will also ensure children are not disadvantaged because of the structure of their family.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the "long-overdue" reforms would legally recognise same-sex couples in a de facto relationship but not recognise same-sex marriage.

 No marriage in government's gay reforms
The Age, Australia -