The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG has appealed to Australia’s LGBT community to give support to the Kaleidoscope Foundation.

“Kaleidoscope is a wonderful new organisation in Australia,” Kirby said, “It’s objective is to engage the legal profession, the business community and the community is Australia generally about the need for action and help get rid of many of the unjust laws that are still in place.”

The work of the foundation is not limited to Australia with Mr Kirby highlighting a particular emphasis on Commonwealth countries that have anti-gay laws.

“It’s a sad thing to say that in 41 of the 54 counties of the Commonwealth of Nations, that’s the old British Empire, the laws that criminalise sexual minorities, particularly gay men, are still in place.”

Mr Kirby said there seemed to be a logjam and nothing much was happening in this area internationally and highlighted the link between law reform and health outcomes, especially the spread of HIV. The retired justice said the foundation allowed Australians a great opportunity to show their concern for the whole world with a positive attitude.

Dr Paula Gerber, Kaleidoscope’s President explained that up until now the Foundation has relied on a few key supporters, but to continue their work they are now reaching out to the wider community.

“Up to now we have achieved some significant milestones through the kind financial support of several undisclosed individuals. In order to help local activists in the Asia Pacific region to change laws and societal attitudes we now need the support of the Australian community.

“The community support we have received in the six months since Kaleidoscope Australia was established make us confident that there are many Australians who are willing to donate funds to help LGBTI people in our near neighbours achieve lives of dignity and equality,” Dr Gerber said.

To donate the the Kaleidoscope Foundation head to their website.