"No other Australian community group (homosexuals) remains so unprotected from discrimination...on the basis of their membership or affinity with that group...nor have met such staunch and irrational resistance to the development of legal equality and protection." (Greig, 2003). Homosexuals and their rights as de facto couples, has been a serious topic of discussion amongst political parties since the 1980's (reference). Since this time, increasing pressure has been placed on political institutions to implement equal rights legislations acknowledging same sex couples and their ensuing rights.

It was in the late 1960's leading into the new millennium that saw the commencement of recognition of homosexuals and the development of their rights (Week 2005) Homosexuals have been the victims of `thousands of years of prejudice and discrimination, enshrined in religious and legal prohibitions, and popular fear.' (Week 2005).

Presently, those in same sex de facto relationships have been afforded with partial...