The Federal election has been called for August 21 and this year gender and sexuality equality have taken a back seat to refugees, health reforms, taxes and political slander campaigns. Last election we managed to get a huge step forward with the Labor Government passing 85 Federal Reforms that gave same-sex couples equal access to social services, health care, superannuation and other recognitions and entitlements.
However, what seemed like a wave of progress quickly fizzled out, when the government stopped short of changing the discriminatory ban on same-sex marriage, and ignored the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission calling for Federal anti-discrimination legislation and gender identity recognition in Australian laws.
This year, Labor has stuck to its policy to have a nationally consistent scheme of civil unions (still not implemented in all States, let alone consistently), and have sent the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission on gender identity to committee – with no verdict likely before the election. As usual, the Liberal Party has failed to make any commitment at all short of stating that they won’t repeal the positive changes of the past 3 years.
The Greens, along with some of the minor parties such as Socialist Alliance and the Sex Party, are the only parties to offer full commitment to gender & sexuality equality. More information on the Federal Election policies of these parties can be seen in the Election Scorecard, included in this issue of OUTinPerth.
As it stands, it looks to be a disappointing election for sexuality and gender equality, unless we make our voices heard. For the state of affairs to change, we all need to contribute to getting the voice of the sexuality and gender diverse community into the media, into the offices of our local candidates, and into the National discussion.
We showed how strong we were as a community in 2001 – when we convinced the State Labor Government to run with a platform of sexuality & gender law reform. We did it again last election when we managed to get Labor to run with a platform to implement long overdue law reforms. And we can do it again this election, if we as individuals contribute to the creation of a strong voice for our community during this election. But we don’t have much time, so we encourage you to get involved ASAP!
What you can do to get your voice heard effectively:
Sign up for Red Alerts
Each week Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) will be sending out a Red Alert, giving you a simple action you can take to get your voice heard. In the first week of the campaign GALE(WA) ran the 50 in 5 Action, which got 50 letters about sexuality & gender equality into community newspapers around WA. Sign up at: http://galewa.asn.au/join-red-alert/
Learn about the past, present and future of the campaign for Full Equality
How much do you know about the history of our achievements on the road to full equality? It’s hard to imagine, but the rights we enjoy today were only achieved in the last 30-40 years. Find out about how we got where we are, and what we still need to achieve on the GALE(WA) website; http://galewa.asn.au/
Attend a public event of support
Perth community group Equal Love (WA) – formally Families 4 Freedom – are holding a Perth Action for Equal Marriage as a part of the National Day of Action for Equal Marriage.
DATE: Saturday 14th August
TIME: 1pm
VENUE: Forrest Place, Perth CBD
RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/AugustNDAPerth
The GALE Team
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