Parties give commitment to tackle anti-gay discrimination / Election forums canvass wide range of issues
This media statement was issued by the TGLRG on 5.3.10.
Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed a commitment from each of the state's three parties to work with the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) community to reduce levels of discrimination and violence.
The commitments were given in response to the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group's election survey which canvassed all three parties on a variety of issues including how they intend to tackle on-going discrimination and abuse against GLBTI people.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
"According to a survey by the Australia Institute, Tasmania remains Australia's most homophobic state despite our progressive laws, and many Tasmanians want to know what the three parties intend to do to change this", Mr Croome said.
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NSW relationship register must follow lead of other states by including ceremonies and non-conjugal partners
This media statement was issued by the TGLRG on 23.2.10.
Tasmanian gay rights advocates have welcomed a decision by the NSW Government to introduce a relationship register but have warned it must include official ceremonies and non-conjugal relationships if it is to be consistent with existing civil partnership schemes in Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that official ceremonies provide couples with the public affirmation they otherwise lack.
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Tassie faces Mardi Gras ban
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 12.2.10.
A publication by an Australian gay rights advocate has been banned by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, prompting criticism that the Mardi Gras is favouring corporate interests over community values.
The Mardi Gras Association has banned the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Visitors' Guide by Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, along with all stalls and materials promoting Tasmania, from this year's Fair Day, as part of a sponsorship deal with Events NSW.
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Napier praised for gay rights record
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 9.2.10.
Tasmanian gay activists have praised Tasmanian Liberal MP, Sue Napier, following news she will retire from State Parliament due to illness.
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 compassion and common sense within the Liberal Party."
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New environmental party slammed over anti-gay marriage stance
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 17.1.10
"Legal inequality and discrimination are neither ethical nor sustainable."
- Rodney Croome
Gay activists have dismissed claims by the public officer of the new, Tasmanian, pro-environment Ethics and Sustainability Party, Kathleen Petrovsky, that same-sex marriage is "radical" and "trendy", and they want a meeting with Dr Petrovsky to discuss the issue.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that same-sex marriage has widespread public support.
"According to opinion polls, same-sex marriage has the support of 60% of Australians, not to mention support from Tasmanian Labor Party state conference and numerous large Australian corporations and unions - it is anything but "radical", Mr Croome said.
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Tasmanian in second place on world list of emerging gay travel destinations
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 20.11.09.
Tasmania has claimed second spot in a list of the world's top ten emerging gay travel destinations.
The list, compiled by Hotel Travel Club, showcases those cities and regions which have not traditionally been associated with gay travel.
Other destinations include Nova Scotia, Lisbon, Nashville and Mexico City. No other Australian destination makes the list.
The site says of Tasmania,
"Over the past few years, locals have put aside their conservative views and have welcomed lesbian and gay residents and travelers alike. The island offers a GLBT tourist guide and a number of incredible tourist sites."
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Same-sex parent law passes final hurdle
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 17.11.09.
A Tasmanian Government law giving legal parental status to the same-sex partner of a woman who has a child through fertility treatment has passed its final hurdle and will now become law.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the move will bring legal peace-of-mind to many Tasmanian families.
Womens' Legal Service Managing Solicitor, Susan Fahey, said her service will now begin the process of educating same-sex couples, their families and the broader community about the impact of reform.
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Officially-recognised relationship ceremonies welcome
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 17.11.09.
Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed today's announcement by the Tasmanian Government that couples entering State Deeds of Relationship can now have officially-recognised ceremonies involving celebrants and witnesses.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the new ceremonies will allow same-sex couples to declare their love and commitment in front of friends and family members in a way which is dignified, solemn and has official recognition.
"Until now, registering a Deed of Relationship has been a dry, administrative process, but the Government's initiative allows it to be linked to, and marked by, an officially-recognised declaration of love and commitment overseen by a celebrant and witnessed by loved ones", Mr Croome said.
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Tasmanian Upper House passes & upgrades same-sex parent law
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 29.10.09
The Tasmanian Upper House has passed and improved a new law giving equal recognition and protection to families headed by same-sex couples.
The Legislative Council has unanimously endorsed a State Government initiative that will recognise the same-sex partner of a woman who has a child through fertility treatment as the child's other legal parent.
An amendment proposed by Windermere Independent, Ivan Dean, which was also unanimously supported by Upper House members, has improved the new law by backdating the recognition to include all those children born to two mothers through fertility treatment since same-sex couples were first recognised in Tasmanian law six years ago.
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Tas provides official ceremonies for recognised partners / Same-sex couples can now have their 'special day'
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 30.9.09.
Couples entering a Tasmanian Deed of Relationship will soon have the option of an official relationship ceremony.
From November 1st the Tasmanian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages will change its procedures to allow a couple to bring their Deed of Relationship into effect by signing their relationship certificate in a ceremony presided over by a marriage celebrant.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, welcomed the initiative saying "this provides same-sex and other couples with a way to have that 'special day', on which they officially declare and affirm their relationship in front of friends and family members".
"Tasmania led the nation with the establishment of our registry of personal relationships, and now it is leading with official ceremonial recognition of these relationships."
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