Document Type
Book Chapter
Abstract
Knowledge of the geographical scope of same-sex families is useful in appealing for relationship and family formation rights. This article analyses the geography of same-sex families in Austrlaia througha cirtical mapping exercise, offering geographical analysis as a means to assist with their human rights claims. While maps have been used to shore up political and legal power, 'subversive' maps can usually challenge dominant views and advance minority groups' constituitive and distributional politics. We utilise 2006 Census data to map the distribution of same-sex couple and family households across Australia, including variations by gender and dependent children. Same-sex families are widespread: aside from inner-city concentrations, there are significant suburban and regional populations. Female couple are more diffuse than male couples and more likely to have children, particularly in suburban and regional areas. The development and application of equal rights legislation and regulations must account for this geographical range.
RIS ID
37517
Publication Details
Gorman-Murray, A. W. & Brennan-Horley, C. R. (2010). The geography of same-sex families in Australia: implications for regulatory regimes. In P. Gerber & A. Sifris (Eds.), Current Trends in the Regulation of Same-Sex Relationships (pp. 43-64). Sydney, Australia: The Federation Press.