Premium Content:

LGBTI advocates back Greens push for charter of rights

Senator Nick McKim

LGBTI advocates have joined calls from The Greens for a senate inquiry into an Australian Charter of Rights.

Following the passage of marriage equality last year, The Greens want to see Australia establish a bill of rights to solidify the rights of those who are discriminated against in our country.

- Advertisement -

Greens’ Senator Nick McKim says the impending Philip Ruddock led inquiry into religious freedom is the optimal time to start the conversation.

“We are the only liberal democracy in the world that does not have a bill or charter of rights,” Senator McKim said.

“Ideally, rights would be enshrined in the constitution but that is obviously a long process and one that is difficult unless we have political unanimity.”

Currently, Australia has five rights embedded into our constitution; the right to vote, the right to trial by jury, prohibition of discrimination (based on state), the right of protection against unjust acquisition of property –  and freedom of religion.

LGBTI advocate and just.equal spokesperson Rodney Croome says a bill of rights is the best way to ensure balance between freedom of religion, speech, conscience and other rights.

“Australia was one of the last western countries to enact marriage equality because we do not have a national charter of rights to set a standard of legal equality for minorities,” Croome said.

“We have launched a petition to the Ruddock inquiry to religious freedom that calls for the inquiry to endorse a charter of rights.”

just.equal have raised other concerns over the Ruddock review, following an announcement from the Prime Minister’s office that public submissions will not be published – as is usual in such an inquiry.

The Greens may be able to win support from Labor to move ahead on a charter of rights, with Shadow Attorney General Mark Dreyfus suggesting the federal opposition were open to discussion.

“The current national platform contains a pledge to keep the national human rights framework under review to ensure it is fit for purpose,” Dreyfus said.

Public submissions to the Ruddock review are due by January 31st, with the report due to be released in March.

OIP Staff


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

 

Latest

“Stop dithering” Peter Tatchell calls on UK government to tackle conversion therapy

Labour have failed to take action during their first year in government.

Funding cuts to HIV services across the globe have got experts sounding the alarm  

Experts heading to the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science warn global HIV gains at risk amid sudden funding cuts.  

US Preacher calls for government to bring in death penalty for homosexuality

Evangelical preacher Justin Zhong has been condemned by other religious bodies over his comments.

Billie Jean King calls for people to “listen” to the trans community over participation in sport

The tennis legend says there needs to be more empathy and listening.

Newsletter

Don't miss

“Stop dithering” Peter Tatchell calls on UK government to tackle conversion therapy

Labour have failed to take action during their first year in government.

Funding cuts to HIV services across the globe have got experts sounding the alarm  

Experts heading to the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science warn global HIV gains at risk amid sudden funding cuts.  

US Preacher calls for government to bring in death penalty for homosexuality

Evangelical preacher Justin Zhong has been condemned by other religious bodies over his comments.

Billie Jean King calls for people to “listen” to the trans community over participation in sport

The tennis legend says there needs to be more empathy and listening.

Catherine Lezer announces her run for Lord Mayor of Perth

She's the first candidate announced for the upcoming election.

“Stop dithering” Peter Tatchell calls on UK government to tackle conversion therapy

Labour have failed to take action during their first year in government.

Funding cuts to HIV services across the globe have got experts sounding the alarm  

Experts heading to the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science warn global HIV gains at risk amid sudden funding cuts.  

US Preacher calls for government to bring in death penalty for homosexuality

Evangelical preacher Justin Zhong has been condemned by other religious bodies over his comments.