GALE will shortly be launching a number of campaigns and lobbying the government to address issues affecting same-sex attracted and transgendered people in both State and Federal Law, particularly in relation to civil unions, same-sex marriage and discrimination within religious organisations. Along with these campaigns, we will be keeping a close-eye fixed upon our politicians – both local and interstate – with the GALE Political Watchdog column, as well as updates about local community initiatives with our Community focus section.
Now that the Conservative WA Cabinet is officially in power, there are legitimate concerns about the Barnett Government’s attitude towards GLBTI equality. In 2005 Premier Colin Barnett pledged to raise the age of consent for homosexual males – then denied the policy ever existed.
Barnett’s porky pies put him squarely in the GLBTI naughty-corner, and unfortunately it doesn’t seem like he’ll be the only homophobe in the village from here on in. The new Minister for Child Protection and Women’s Interests Robyn McSweeney previously made very thinly- veiled comparisons between paedophilia and homosexual sex and Rob Johnson the new Police Minister referred to the Pride Parade as ‘An opportunity for homosexual predators to persuade young people to adopt the homosexual way of life.’ Honourable mention goes to Dr. Graham Jacobs, Minister for Mental Health and homophobic bigot with the power to cut the funding to GLBTI community groups such as GLCS. Worrying? Definitely.
On a more positive note, it looks as though the Federal Government has committed $300, 000 to NGOs to educate the GLBTI community about the implications that the Federal reforms due to come into effect in July will have on services such as Centrelink for same-sex partners and their families. However, so far funding has so far only been allocated to organisations dedicated to HIV/AIDS and GLBTI health issues. Confused? So are we.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics have also announced that the 2011 census will recognise marriages between same-sex couples. Unfortunately – this is only recognition of couples that have been married overseas in countries that allow same-sex marriage. Still, it’s start.
COMMUNITY
In the lead up the 5th anniversary of the ban on same-sex marriage; WA GLBTI Community and activist groups will be joining forces to plan the annual National Day of Action against the ban on August 1st.
On May 12th the Human Rights Consultation Community Consultation rolled into Perth. Despite over 60% of Australians supporting the creation of Human Rights Act, we are yet to do so – thus leaving Australia lagging behind in the international community’s efforts to protect Human Rights.
Readers will be pleased to know that equal rights for GLBTI people and their families were high on the agenda for the majority of the participants on the 12th. Check out the Freedom Centre’s campaign ‘Faces For Freedom’ for an opportunity to make a fun, photographic submission to the Human Rights Commission.
That’s it for the very first Galeforce column. If you have any questions or comments – check out our website www.galewa.asn.au
Kitty Hawkins
GALE Co-Convenor
kitty@galewa.asn.au
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