Just.Equal pledges to put LGBTI issues on the election agenda

The national LGBTIQ lobby group, just.equal, says it will seek commitments from all main parties to priorities identified by the LGBTIQ community.

Following the announcement of a federal election for May 18th, just.equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the group was aware of the issues concerning LGBTI people.

“In August last year we surveyed the LGBTI community to see what its top priorities are for the federal election, across law reform, funded programs and government policy, and we will now seek a commitment to those priorities from all main parties and key independents.”

“At the top of the list were a ban on conversion therapy, funding to improve LGBTIQ inclusion in schools, a national LGBTIQ suicide and mental health strategy and better protections for LGBTIQ refugees.”

Croome said other top priorities for LGBTIQ people are protection from discrimination in faith-based services, including schools, and support for transgender equality.

“The current Government failed to enact discrimination protections for LGBTIQ students last year, and Labor has not given a clear, unequivocal commitment to protecting LGBTIQ teachers.”

“We will be seeking commitments from all main parties and key independents to remove exemptions that allow discrimination in religious schools, hospitals and charities.”

“We also want to see the parties give in-principle support to the kind of legal recognition and protection for transgender and gender diverse people that has been enacted in Tasmania.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the election for Saturday May 18th earlier today.

OIP Staff