Loss of community stalwart mourned
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 24.3.08
Many Tasmanians are today mourning the loss of a woman described by gay activist, Rodney Croome, as a brave defender of human rights.
Dr Yvette Sneddon, 49, of Natone on the state's North West Coast, died on Good Friday in a hit-and-run accident near Burnie.
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Tassie gays welcome Vic registry
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 13.3.08.
Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed endorsement of a Tasmanian-style civil union registry by Victoria's parliamentary Lower House but are concerned by continued myths about such registries.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said Tasmanians should be proud that their state - the last to decriminalise same-sex relationships - is now leading the nation when it comes officially recognising same-sex unions.
"If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Tasmanians should feel very flattered indeed", Mr Croome said.
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Green partner bid reminds Gov't "reform is urgent" / Support for federal recognition of state relationships
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 12.3.08.
Gay activists have welcomed a move by the Australian Greens to highlight continued discrimination against same-sex partners.
Today the major parties voted against a Green amendment to laws governing veterans pensions which would have allowed equal entitlements for same-sex partners.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that although the Greens' amendment failed it reminds the Federal Government that reform is urgent, particularly for elderly and retired same-sex partners.
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Baywatch star praised as "gay role model" / Marriage discrimination a slap in TV idol's face
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 11.3.08.
Gay rights advocates have called Tasmanian-born TV star, Jaason Simmons, a role model for young gay Tasmanians following Mr Simmons' revelation that he has a male partner he intends to marry and that the couple have an adopted son.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that many young gay Tasmanians still grow up feeling isolated and stigmatised.
"The success of Jaason Simmons, both in his professional and personal life, sends a message to young gay Tasmanians that they can achieve their goals, and need not be limited by other people's prejudices", Mr Croome said.
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Libs ordered to answer for election hate
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 28.2.08.
Human rights advocates have welcomed a decision by the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Tribunal to accept a complaint against Liberal Party election materials which allegedly incited hatred.
The Tribunal overturned an earlier rejection of the complaint by the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sarah Bolt, following an appeal against Ms Bolt's decision from the woman who lodged the complaint, Martine Delaney.
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Advocates hopeful on reform
This LGBT media release was issued by the TGLRG on 26.2.08.
Following a meeting today with Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, equality advocates say they are hopeful of moves towards tackling legal and financial discrimination against same-sex de facto partners by mid year, but urged supporters of reform to continue to speak out.
Representatives of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group, Commonwealth Superannuation Action Committee and the Australian Coalition for Equality met with Robert McClelland in Canberra this morning.
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Rudd Government fails to act on same-sex bias
This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 22.2.08.
Gay rights advocates have questioned the Rudd Government's commitment to removing legal and financial discrimination against same-sex couples, following its introduction of legislation which fails to recognise same-sex partners in veteran's pensions, social security entitlements and taxation.
Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rod Swift, said that recognition of same-sex partners in those laws currently before Parliament would be a perfect opportunity for the Federal Government to act on its stated commitment of removing such discrimination.
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Gays seek meeting with Christian Lobby over "hurtful myths and misinformation"
This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 21.2.08.
Australian gay activists have written to the head of the Australian Christian Lobby, Jim Wallace, over what they say are the ACL's hurtful myths and misinformation about same-sex relationships.
Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that following Mr Wallace's appearance on the ABC's Lateline program the group has asked for a meeting with Mr Wallace to present the facts.
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Anger over McClelland's gay ceremony stance
This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 7.2.08.
Gay rights advocates have demanded Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, explain why same-sex couples in the ACT should not be allowed to officially solemnise their unions.
Responding to the Stanhope Government's renewed commitment to its civil partnership law, Mr McClelland yesterday said the ceremonial aspects of the ACT model are "inappropriate".
"Mr McClelland is effectively saying that while loving, committed same-sex partners can have legal entitlements, they're not worthy of the official, public recognition available to heterosexual couples", Mr Croome said.
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Same-sex challenge to first home buyer's tax breaks
This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 5.2.08.
Gay rights advocates say they want to know if same-sex couples will qualify for the Rudd Government's proposed first home buyer tax break.
Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rod Swift, said that Federal Labor has a commitment to equality for same-sex couples in day-to-day legal and financial matters which would be undermined if its proposed tax-reduced home-purchase scheme excluded these couples.
"Same-sex partners face the same financial pressures as their heterosexual counterparts and share the same aspiration to own their own home", Mr Swift said.
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