Rebuttal to A. Nock

A. Nock (Letters ,12/12) questions whether the social security system will be overhauled to fix anomalies that allow same-sex couples to be treated as individuals.

Unfortunately, our Federal Government is comprised of the most conservative minds Australia has today -- yes, even more closed-minded than our own State Liberal cronies. As such, there is no chance of reforms on a Federal level, even though the Democrats and the Greens have initiated or supported numerous proposals in the past.

Until the day when we do get similar Federal reforms, I will remain one of the "fortunate" homosexuals who is eligible for social security or Austudy while my same-sex partner works full-time.

Sorry, but until we can enjoy the same rights and freedoms as other couples, I'll gladly accept the small compensation that is available.

Parenting - Freedom, privilege or right?

EMAIL RESPONSE TO A DISCUSSION FORUM REGARDING A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

As much as this may rile a few people, M. Mathewson is correct in that parenting is NOT a right and is most certainly a privilege. I'll add that his/her argument seems to be unfairly aimed towards lesbians and should be aimed at all parents instead.

No one in Australia has the right to tertiary education, to work, to have adequate housing, to walk across a road, or to drive a car, but we tend to think of these things as irrefutable. They are but privileges and we must earn them and continue to prove ourselves worthy lest they be revoked. If you abuse your position as a parent then you will lose that privilege also - that is undeniable.

However we should all have the freedom to be parents. Freedom and rights are often confused in these debates and we need to be aware that Australians have very few rights (I can count them on one hand) but we have many freedoms and privileges.