SEN. PRATT’S FIRST SPEECH CALLS FOR GAY AND TRANS RIGHTS – Australian Marriage Equality have welcomed the first speech in the Senate, on the 27th of August, by new WA Senator, Louise Pratt. In her speech Senator Pratt said:
‘I look forward to a time when we have removed at a federal level all discrimination on the grounds of gender identity and sexuality. A time when my partner isn’t denied a passport because his gender’s not recognised under our laws, when my friends’ children all enjoy the same rights and protections under Commonwealth law, regardless of whether their parents are straight or gay, and a time when my gay and lesbian friends who wish to be legally married can be’.
AME spokesperson, Sharon Dane, said Senator Pratt’s comments indicated that ‘equal marriage can no longer be swept under
the political carpet’.
THE SEX FILES – The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has announced the launch of a new sexuality and gender diversity blog, Sex files: The Legal Recognition of Sex in Documents and Government Records. This blog aims to look at the issues surrounding the unnecessary difficulty people can face in recording or changing their gender identity on government records. The Sex Files can be viewed at www.humanrights.gov.au/genderdiversity/.
A FAMILY ACT – The Parental Leave Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 has been passed by the ACT government, granting both parents in a same-sex relationship the same rights as heterosexual couples in regards to parental leave when caring for their children.
ARCHIVES TURN 30 – Professor Dennis Altman and Joan Nestle have been nominated as inaugural patrons of The Australian Lesbian & Gay Archives, which celebrated its 30th birthday last month. The pair have been recognised for their strong contribution to the gay and lesbian community. For more information visit www.home.vicnet.net.au/`alga/.
GAY UK DIPLOMAT – The role of Australian High Commissioner in London’s Court of St James will be taken by gay diplomat John Dauth. According to crikey.com, it is the third time a gay diplomat has been appointed to the role in 50 years.
SUPPORT FOR NEW MODEL – Support from the Australian Christian Lobby has been shown for a potential model which would give gay couples legal recognition as de facto couples. The move has also subjected same-sex couples to a new barrage of criticism over an (alleged) inability to have long term relationships and effectively raise children.
SURROGATE EQUALITY IN TAS – Tasmania’s State Upper House has released a report in which altruistic surrogacy has not been limited to heterosexual couples. The report has gone so far as to suggest that such non-discriminatory principles should apply to all areas and aspects of the state’s parenting laws.
KYLIE DOWN UNDER – Kylie Minogue has confirmed that her KylieX2008 tour will be heading to Melbourne and Sydney this December. At present it is still unconfirmed as to whether she will be appearing in Perth.
