A Brisbane-based equal rights advocate has gathered more than 600 signatures objecting to plans to repeal Queensland's same-sex civil unions legislation.
Independent MP Rob Messenger on Tuesday announced he planned to launch his private member's bill after the election to repeal the Civil Partnerships Bill 2011, which allows same sex couples to engage in officially recognised civil unions.
But Brisbane-based equal rights advocate Phil Browne says he has amassed more than 600 signatures in under 24 hours from concerned Queenslanders asking that the bill not be repealed.
Mr Browne says the Civil Partnerships Bill provides legal protection for same sex couples and follows Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and the ACT to become the fifth jurisdiction to allow civil unions.
"Civil unions are about protecting people and are a sign of a progressive society that values all its citizens," he said.
"To take away these rights would be a backward step for Queensland and would show the world that Queensland does not value all people equally.
"What sort of damage will this do to the emotional wellbeing of people, and their extended family and friends network, who want their relationships validated with a civil union?"
Mr Messenger says he plans to repeal the bill because it was "rammed" through parliament to appease gay and green lobby groups, and doesn't have the support of the majority of Queenslanders.
He says his repeal bill will outlaw civil unions as soon as it is passed, but those who have already entered an official union will be allowed to have it remain recognised.
Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser introduced the private member's bill earlier this month to recognise same-sex civil unions.
It was passed 47 votes to 40, with Labor MPs given a conscience vote and opposition MPs voting as a bloc against it.
The timing of the first civil unions will depend on when notaries can be accredited to perform them, which is expected to happen in the first quarter of next year.
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