By Iain Clacher
The true story of Di and Frances illustrates the hidden horror couples can face when politicians lock them out of the law simply because they are gay.
Di and Frances were partners. They lived, paid bills and slept together for more than 10 years. They considered each other life partners, joined by the bonds of love and mortgage.
But when Frances was hospitalised after a road accident, the police did not tell Di that her partner was close to death in an intensive care ward. After three days of frantic searching, Di finally found Frances, but she was refused permission to visit her partner because the law would not recognise her as next of kin.
Frances died without ever seeing Di again. Di was not allowed to claim Frances' body for burial. The family which had thrown Frances out of home as a teenager and refused to see her for 15 years because she was lesbian, even refused Di permission to attend the funeral. Neither was she allowed to claim compensation over the accident because the law refused to recognise their spousal relationship.
Frances' blood relatives challenged her will. Frances had left all her possessions to Di, but a judge over-ruled the will. Di was forced to sell the house she had bought with Frances, so the relatives could be given half of their daughter's estate.
Di was found guilty of theft when she removed some of Frances' belongings from the house. She was forced hand over cherished photographs of Frances.
In the aftermath of so much misery, it is little wonder Di tried to take her own life.
Unfortunately, the laws which permitted such gross miscarriages of justice are still intact. Same-sex couples have no rights in Queensland law.
Since decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1990, successive governments have actively excluded same-sex couples from more than 50 laws, including those relating to working conditions. Gays and lesbians are not entitled to leave provisions such as compassionate or bereavement leave, maternity or paternity leave. Gays and lesbians cannot take out domestic violence protection orders.
Such laws discriminate not only against same-sex couples, but also against their children.
The Queensland Association for Gay and Lesbian Rights is seeking wider support for an end to these inhumane injustices. QAGLR co-convenor Shayne Wilde said the organisation needs individuals and community groups to help the campaign for equality.
"Our politicians act inhumanely when they draft laws to ensure gays and lesbians do not enjoy the same rights as everyone else. We need you to sign our petitions, ring your parliamentarians and tell them you oppose this injustice ... [and] demand that all Queensland citizens be treated equally under the law", Wilde said.
For more information, contact QAGLR at (07) 3892 5767 or PO Box 26, Moorooka 4105.