Rally for marriage equality sends message to major parties: 'you're out of touch'
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 14.8.10
600 supporters of same-sex marriage attended a rally this afternoon in Hobart where federal election candidates who support reform knocked down a symbolic wall of discrimination.
The larger-than-expected crowd heard candidates for the Green, Democrat, Secular and Socialist Alliance Parties as well as Tasmanian gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) community representatives Martine Delaney and Rodney Croome.
Ms Delaney said the rally sent a strong message to the major parties that they are out of touch with mainstream opinion.
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Libs 'no show' at Launceston gay community election forum / Hobart rally for same-sex marriage to hear from candidates
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 13.8.10.
Tasmanian gay activists are disappointed the Liberal Party failed to send a representative to last night's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community election forum in Launceston.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said about 30 people quizzed candidates from the Labor, Green, Democrat and Secular Parties, as well as independents, on issues ranging from same-sex marriage and discrimination laws to tackling higher rates of suicide among young gay and transgender people.
"This was the first gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community election forum since 1996 that a Liberal representative has not attended, and that sends a strong message to the community that the Liberals do not care about our issues and do not want our votes."
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Napier remembered as a campaigner for individual freedom
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 5.8.10
Tasmanian gay activists have praised former Tasmanian Liberal leader, Sue Napier, following news she has died after a two year battle with cancer.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
"On issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, particularly the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the 1997, Sue Napier was a voice for individual rights and human compassion within the Liberal Party."
"Mrs Napier made an invaluable contribution to a more inclusive and tolerant Tasmania, and many Tasmanians will mourn her passing."
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Tasmanian Liberal candidate declares support for same-sex marriage
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 4.8.10
The Liberal Party candidate in the Hobart-based seat of Denison, Cameron Simpkins, has said he will "take up the sword" for same-sex marriage if elected on August 21st.
Speaking last night at a Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group election forum in Hobart, Mr Simpkins described the problems facing his gay friends and family members because of legal and social discrimination, and said he personally supports allowing same-sex couples to marry even though the Liberal Party opposes the reform.
"I believe in personal freedom - people should be able to live their lives without the government telling us what to do or in this case who to love", Mr Simpkins said.
"If I am elected and there is a conscience vote within the Liberal Party to allow same-sex couples to marry, I will vote for that for reform."
"I will take up the sword for full legal equality for all Australians whether they are heterosexual or homosexual."
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Tasmanian LGBTI federal election forums
You are invited to our forums in Hobart and Launceston and the National Day of Action rally in Hobart.
The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group is conducting two candidate forums for the 2010 federal election.
Candidates from a range of political parties will be present to offer their views on GLBTI issues and to take questions from GLBTI community members.
It would be wonderful if you could come. Please also pass on the details to others. Full details are below.
Also below, please find details for the rally in Hobart on Saturday August 14th to mark the National Day of Action of Marriage Equality.
Please call me if you have any questions.
All the best,
Rodney Croome.
0409 010 668
***
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Libs fail to sign election anti-hate pledge / Delaney vows to challenge any election hate materials
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 31.7.10.
For downloadable photos from pledge signing visit:
http://news.webshots.com/album/578289497oFfrdC
The Liberal Party has again failed to sign a pledge against election hate, despite all other major parties and independents signing the pledge today at Salamanca Market in Hobart.
Today's pledge signing was a response to election advertising authorised by the Liberal Party and members of the Exclusive Brethren during the 2006 state election, and the Liberal Party and Timber Communities Australia during the 2007 federal election, which vehemently attacked the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people.
Human rights campaigner, Martine Delaney, who has challenged anti-GLBTI election material before the State Anti-Discrimination Tribunal, securing apologies from members of the Exclusive Brethren and from Timber Communities Australia, said the pledge is designed to set a higher standard for electioneering.
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Coalition election commitments 'disappointing'
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 30.7.10
The Federal Coalition's response to the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group's election survey has been described as "disappointing".
In its response the Coalition says it
- recognises there may be a need for stronger national laws to stop discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, but does not commit to supporting these laws
- will seriously consider a report recommending the removal of discrimination against transgender and intersex people (although it mis-names the report), and
- supports the UN Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
However, the Coalition has ruled out allowing same-sex marriages or civil unions and have no plans to specifically address health problems or violence faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people.
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Tas Gov't to fund programs targetting anti-gay discrimination and violence / Greens secure key election commitment
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 18.6.10.
Gay community advocates have welcomed the State Government's announcement that it will contribute $150,000 to community projects which reduce prejudice, discrimination and violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) Tasmanians.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Jen Van-Achteren, said the fund, announced yesterday as part of the 2010 State Budget, will help reduce levels of workplace discrimination and hate-motived assault which are some of the highest in the nation.
"While Tasmania has some of the best laws and policies on GLBTI issues in Australia, surveys have shown community attitudes have not kept pace", Ms Van-Achteren said.
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Red Cross under fire for blood donor 'double standard'
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 16.6.10.
Gay blood donation advocates have slammed the Australian Red Cross Blood Service for "blatant double-standards" after the organisation revealed the reason behind a recent decision to make it easier for people with tattoos and piercings to give blood while maintaining the current blanket ban on gay blood donation.
Following criticism last week of new donor guidelines that reduce from 12 to 6 months the period people who have had tattoos, piercings and acupuncture must wait before giving blood, the Red Cross issued a statement saying the decision was based on "a new screening test for hepatitis B (that) shortens the window period when the infection can exist in the blood without detection".
However, gay blood donation campaigner, Michael Cain, said similar technology for detecting HIV has been used for ten years without any corresponding reduction in the current 12 month period a man who has had sex with another man must wait before he can give blood.
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Appointment of new anti-Discrimination chief welcomed
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 12.6.10.
The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group has welcomed the appointment of new Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Robin Banks.
Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said Ms Banks has a long and successful career as a human rights lawyer and advocate, including for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
"I am confident Ms Banks will be a strong defender of those Tasmanians who remain vulnerable to discrimination and prejudice", Mr Croome said.
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