Gay row erupts: activist accused of stereotyping Tasmania
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 10.4.08.
Tasmanian gay community representatives have rejected claims that homophobia "reigns unopposed" in small-town Tasmania.
Coming Out Proud program co-ordinator, Julian Punch, has attracted national attention with claims that openly-gay developer Stephen Roche has quit the sea-side town of Penguin because of "an old, dominant homophobic culture" in rural and regional Tasmania, a claim denied by Mr Roche who said he found most Penguin residents "open and accepting".
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, and Peter Power, spokesperson for same-sex partner lobby group, InDeed, have also dismissed Mr Punch's claim, accusing him of unfairly stereotyping rural Tasmania.
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Libs / Timber Lobby to answer for election hate
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 8.4.08.
Tasmania's anti-discrimination watch dog has decided the Liberal Party and Timber Communities Australia have a case to answer over allegations they incited hatred during last year's Federal election.
Commissioner, Sarah Bolt, has referred to the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal a number of complaints against pamphlets and TV ads which declared same-sex marriage, as well as the recognition of intersex conditions, to be "dangerous" and "harmful".
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Tasmanian surrogacy inquiry welcomed
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on April 1st, 2008.
The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group has welcomed a parliamentary inquiry into recognising altruistic surrogacy in Tasmania, announced today by State Upper House member, Lin Thorp.
Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that the law should recognise the right of women to become surrogates for whoever they wish.
"Altruistic surrogacy allows childless same and opposite-sex couples to receive the gift of parenthood, often from close friends or relatives", Mr Croome said.
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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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