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.
"We are pleased all parties have a commitment to tackling the problem and we will work with whatever party or parties form the next government to put this commitment into action."
Other key commitments include:
Labor - to re-open the same-sex adoption debate with a parliamentary inquiry
Liberal - examine options for dealing with transgender prison inmates
Greens - $300,000 for school anti-homophobia programs
In 2003 the State Labor Government allowed same-sex couples to adopt children they already care for, but not children relinquished by other people. There is full equality in adoption in WA and the ACT.
In 2006 and 2007 the State Liberal Party was accused of authorising, or being involved in, the publication of election materials which incited hatred against transgender people.
Other features of the parties' responses are included below and the full text can be found at www.movingforward.org.au
Meanwhile, a wide variety of issues have been canvassed in GLBTI election forums across the state, attended by representatives of all three parties. In forums held in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie members of the GLBTI community raised issues ranging from parenting rights to discrimination in aged care. A major topic of debate in both forums was same-sex marriage. In the Hobart forum all candidates agreed that must be more education about sexuality in Tasmanian schools.
Further key features of the parties' responses:
Labor:
- review of discriminatory adoption laws and consider improvements to Relationships Act
- ensure transgender and intersex people have improved anti-discrimination protections
- work with GLBTI community to identify options for reducing homophobic violence
- improved consultation with the GLBTI community through the Social inclusion Unit
Liberals:
- commitment to including anti-GLBTI violence in statewide anti-violence strategy
- serious consideration given to improving the Relationships Act
- examine options for dealing with transgender prison inmates
- improved consultation with the GLBTI community at a departmental and ministerial level
Greens:
- increased funding for anti-homophobia programs in schools
- commitment to improve Relationships and Anti-Discrimination Acts
- commitment to same-sex marriage and adoption
- improved liaison between government and GLBTI community through a policy unit and ministerial portfolio
All three parties, including the Liberal Party, have committed to not authorising election materials which appeal to fear or hostility towards GLBTI people.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668