Reports have emerged that Labor leader Anthony Albanese is aiming to remove references to the LGBTIQ+ community from Labor policy.
An article from The New Daily has reported that the new Labor leader and long-time marriage equality supporter hopes to streamline the opposition’s policies, instead including the community under the umbrella of ‘sexuality or gender.’
The Labor Party significantly expanded their LGBTIQ+ specific policies under the leadership of Bill Shorten. The inclusions have drawn the ire of News Corp’s Miranda Devine, who reported on a suggestion that the number of recognised genders be increased to up thirty-three different options.
Albanese told Adelaide radio last week that he is aiming to reduce the number of policies Labor are bringing to the table, attributing Shorten’s loss at the last federal election to the party’s 300-page manifesto.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of left or right. I think we had too much. The agenda was too big,” Albanese said.
“I think last week there was something came out from the Parliamentary Budget Office that was pretty interesting. They costed 50 something policies from the government, 50 or thereabouts policies for the Greens Party and 280-something from us.”
The news comes weeks after it was revealed that the federal opposition has dropped the position of Shadow Minister for Equality from Labor’s line-up of parliamentary responsibilities.
The party has been under pressure to review its policies relating to support of LGBTIQ+ people following their devastating election loss, and while no policy positions have been announced, the removal of a specific person responsible for equality is notable.
The decision to remove the position comes as a growing number of Labor MPs are voicing their support for religious freedom legislation to be introduced.
OIP Staff
