Labour in cautious mode on gay policy

Labour has stripped its gay and lesbian policy of controversy, leaving it silent on emotive issues such as same-sex adoption even though that remains on the table.

Its apparently cautious policy this election is in stark contrast to its 2002 paper, which detailed backing for both same-sex adoption and civil unions.

Still on Labour's third-term social agenda is expected to be at least initial support for transsexual MP Georgina Beyer's bill to ban discrimination against transgender people.

But it is less clear when Labour will progress laws on gay adoption and wills, or if it will legislate to ban hate speech - wanted by supporters angered by the fundamentalist right's attacks on minorities and in particular gays.

Other social policy issues such as cannabis decriminalisation and right-to-die legislation are not expected to be priorities, in part because they may not be palatable for potential coalition partners.

The "downbeat" nature of the policy reflects the effectiveness of conservative political parties who have latched on to public unease over what they term "social engineering".

But it may simply also be that legal equality in many areas has been achieved for the gay and lesbian community.

Labour's Rainbow policy released this week maintains previous commitments to ensuring young people are safe as they explore their sexual orientation, to continue to remove discrimination in the law and to expand training for public servants in dealing with all communities.

However the policy says nothing about legalising same-sex adoption, which was an explicit election promise three years ago.

The Weekend Herald understands draft legislation revamping adoption laws, including removing the ban on same-sex and de facto couples' adopting, has been drafted.

But progress stalled amid a public backlash over the 2003 decriminalisation of prostitution and the legalising of civil unions.

Associate Justice Minister Marian Hobbs said other legislation would get priority over adoption changes.

The Herald understands officials have been told it will not be considered this financial year, but a policy paper has gone to the Cabinet.

Ms Beyer does have caucus support for her private member's bill to be debated in Parliament. Labour MPs will be allowed a conscience vote.

An inquiry into banning hate speech is incomplete, and will resume after the election.

It is foundering amid a backlash over free speech.