Australians still don't have marriage equality, but in the state of Queensland same-sex couples will now have the option of civil partnership. This is a new development, with the Civil Partnership Act coming into effect on February 23. Queensland's first civil unions are likely to occur on March 3.

Civil partnerships are an important step towards full equality for LGBT people in Queensland. The community has fought long and hard for these new-found rights. Rob Messenger wants to take them away again.

The Independent Member for Burnett has released a copy of his Civil Partnerships Repeal Bill online. This bill, which he intends to introduce into parliament if re-elected in the upcoming state elections, is intended to strip the LGBT community in Queensland of the rights they fought so long to earn.

Mr. Messenger's bill, while it allows for civil partnerships registered under the current act the continue in existence, would immediately withdraw from consideration all applications for civil partnerships at the time of its implementation and would prevent any new civil partnerships from being formed.

Tell Rob Messenger not to put this homophobic bill before parliament. Tell Rob Messenger to stop fighting civil unions.

We the undersigned believe you should stop fighting against civil partnerships. The Civil Partnership Act represents a long struggle for Queensland's LGBT community. Despite the concerted efforts of those in the community and their supporters, marriage equality has still not been achieved.

Civil partnerships are not equivalent of same-sex marriage. That is an issue which must be decided at a national level. The bill you intend to repeal only provides the LGBT community with some of the rights and recognition that heterosexuals often take for granted.

Repealing the Civil Partnership Act would be harmful to Queensland. Please do not bring your Civil Partnerships Repeal Bill before parliament if you are re-elected.