Support for gay marriage free vote / Call for inquiry to 'hear community voice'
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on July 1st, 2008.
Gay activists have welcomed a move by the Greens to secure a free vote from the major parties on the issue of same-sex marriage, adding that a parliamentary inquiry is also necessary to hear the community's voice on the issue.
According to Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome,
"Those MPs in major parties who support the principle of marriage equality should have the right to demonstrate this support", Mr Croome said.
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Same-sex couple Family Court access applauded
This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 25.6.08.
Gay and lesbian rights advocates have welcomed a Federal Government initiative to allow property disputes between former same-sex de facto partners to be resolved by the Family Court.
Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Corey Irlam, said that the move will mean partners in same-sex relationships which have broken down will no longer be required to resolve their disputes in state Supreme Courts.
"Equal access to the Family Court will mean disputes can be resolved with less expense, less trauma, and greater privacy", Mr Irlam said.
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State same-sex marriage law welcomed / Right to marry key to legal equality
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 20.6.08.
Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed moves to enact state same-sex marriage legislation.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that marriage is an important way to affirm the love and commitment in relationships, and should not exclude same-sex couples.
"Same-sex couples wish to marry for all the same reasons as heterosexual couples, and they should have that choice", Mr Croome said.
"It's painful for many same-sex couples to see their counterparts in places like California taking solemn legal vows of life-long commitment while knowing they cannot do the same in their own country."
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Settlement reached in Tas gay hate cases
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 17.6.08.
Tasmanian gay activists have announced the successful conclusion of gay hate speech cases against radio announcer, John Laws, and TV personality, Sam Newman.
Michael Dempsey, the man behind the claims launched in 2005, said a settlement had been reached in both cases and he is pleased by the outcome.
"I agreed not to reveal the details of the settlement, but I can say I will not benefit personally, and that I am very happy with the outcome because it will be of great, on-going benefit to the Tasmanian gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community", Mr Dempsey said.
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Council arrest apology claims rejected
This LGBT media release was issued by the TGLRG on 16.6.08.
Tasmanian gay activist, Rodney Croome, has rejected claims by two Hobart City Councillors that the banning of a gay law reform stall from Salamanca Market in 1988 was justified.
Alderman John Freeman has claimed the stall was distributing sexually-explicit material, while Alderman Darlene Haigh has said there were numerous complaints against the stall.
Their claims were sparked by last week's endorsement of an apology for the stall-banning by the Council's Community Development Committee.
Mr Croome said there was no sexually-explicit material on the stall and that the ban was sparked by a single, anonymous complaint.
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Council urged to support gay arrest apology
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 12.6.08.
Tasmanian gay activists have urged the Hobart City Council to say "sorry" for closing down a gay law reform stall at Salamanca Market 20 years ago and ordering the arrest of over 100 stall supporters.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said an apology would sent a clear message that Tasmania is now a far more open and inclusive society than it was when gay activists began campaigning for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1988.
"It was a traumatic time for everyone involved, and an apology will allow there to reconciliation between those who were arrested and those who did the arresting", Mr Croome said.
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Same-sex law reform letter presented to Nelson / Strong LGBT presence at Gov't human rights consultation
This LGBT media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 12.6.08.
A coalition of LGBT human rights organisations has presented a letter to Opposition Leader, Brendan Nelson, asking him not to delay reform of superannuation laws to recognise same-sex couples.
The letter, initiated by the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, also sought a meeting with Dr Nelson and included case studies of same-sex partners for whom reform is very urgent.
The Opposition has said it will establish a Senate inquiry into reform to look at issues such as the recognition of interdependent relationships.
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Call for gay blood donor review in wake of teen donor reform
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on June 6, 2008
In the wake of a reduction of the Tasmanian blood donor age to 16, gay activists have called on state health officials and the Red Cross to review the ban on gay blood donation.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that gay men who have safe sex within monogamous relationships are at less risk of HIV infection than many heterosexuals who have unsafe sex but are still allowed to donate blood.
"If the guidelines can be changed to allow younger people to donate, why not gay men whose blood is safe", Mr Croome said.
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Same-sex partners "not companions" / Concern over possible delays to same-sex law
This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 4.6.08.
Gay rights advocates have strongly opposed any attempt to badge same-sex couples as "interdependents" or companions.
During debate this evening on a Rudd Government law removing discrimination against same-sex de facto partners, Opposition leader, Brendan Nelson, flagged that the Coalition will attempt to amend the legislation to recognise companions, and possibly include same-sex partners within that category.
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Gov't move on gay couple super welcomed / Commitment sought on family law / In-principle support for recognition of 'companions"
This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 28.5.08.
Gay rights advocates have welcomed the Federal Government's first step towards removing financial discrimination against same-sex couples, with amendments to superannuation and government pension laws introduced today.
Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that the reforms have the support of the great majority of Australians and will have a positive impact on the lives of same-sex partners and their children.
"Same-sex couples will breath a sigh of relief because they will soon have the same level of financial security as their heterosexual counterparts in the event of retirement or death", Mr Croome said.
"We call on the private superannuation funds affected by this change to ensure they implement equal treatment for all couples as quickly as possible."
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