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Gay rights group outraged! |
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News -
Australian News
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Written by Corey Irlam | ACE Campaign Coordinator
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Wednesday, 21 April 2010 06:46 |
Gay rights group outraged at continued human rights delay
“We are outraged by the clear message the Rudd government is sending the Australian community - that protecting LGBTI human rights is not a priority for the ALP.” ACE Campaign Coordinator – Corey Irlam
National lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) human rights group, the Australian Coalition for Equality (ACE) is “outraged” that the Federal government’s announcement on human rights contains no commitment to national sexual orientation and gender identity anti-discrimination laws.
For the past 15 years the ALP and the Australian parliament has repeatedly consulted^ the public on the introduction of such laws. In 2009, a national Galaxy poll showed 85% of Australians supported the introduction of this legislation. But today there was no commitment beyond yet another review to “examine the gaps”.
ACE campaign coordinator Corey Irlam said that increasing Federal Government involvement in the health and aged care sector heightens concerns about the fact that federal government agencies are not bound by state anti-discrimination laws.
”Because Mr McClelland has not directly addressed the failure of federal law to protect LGBTI people from discrimination, today’s announcement is a joke. With more health and ageing services being delivered by the federal government, we can no longer afford this kind of indifference.” said Mr Irlam
“We are outraged by the clear message the Rudd government is sending the Australian community- that protecting LGBTI human rights is not a priority for the ALP.”
Over the past 15 years, LGBTI Australians have been required to submit to review after discussion after consultation. The outcome of each of these processes clearly recommended that the government should introduce federal anti-discrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
ACE confirmed it would continue to lobby the Federal government to make a firm commitment it would introduce discrimination laws protecting same-sex couples during the first half of the next parliamentary term.
For further comment contact Corey Irlam on 0401 738 996
Timeline
1994 – United Nations Human Rights Committee ruling into Toonen v Australia confirms Sexual Orientation as covered under the International treaty ICCPR. This provides guaranteed the federal government can introduce such laws under external affairs powers.
1997 – Senate Inquiry into Australian Democrats private members bill recommends introducing federal protections on the basis of sexual preference and gender identity.
2006 – ALP conducts consultation on private members bill introducing federal anti-discrimination legislation on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
2007 – ALP party platform “supports the introduction of” anti-discrimination legislation protecting from sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination. ALP commits to support for the laws in LGBTI election survey response.
2008 – Federal court case in Tasmania vs Australian Government rules that Centrelink and other federal government departments are not bound by Tasmanian disability discrimination legislation.
2008 – Attorney-General Robert McClelland refers issue to National Human Rights Consultation, stating in numerous media interviews he will await consultation report before commenting on the government’s position.
2009 – Speaking on gay radio station Joy94.9 Attorney-General McClelland says that its “more probable than not” the ALP will introduce federal anti-discrimination legislation on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, during the current term.
2009 – National Human Rights Consultation Report (the Brennan Report) proposes a review of anti-discrimination legislation and makes special mention that lack of protection for LGBTI community was raised as particular concern.
2010 – Opposition Leader Tony Abbott announces the Coalition will provide “in-principle” support to federal anti-discrimination legislation on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
2010 – Today’s National Press Club announcement by Attorney-General McClelland includes no reference to LGBTI community or government position on anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Instead a fourth consultation will take place through a “Better Regulation Ministerial Partnership” between the Attorney-General and Finance and deregulation Minister Lindsay Tanner. This project will create a single comprehensive anti-discrimination law that will “examine the gaps” and “address inconsistencies”.
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