Premium Content:

Is the New Mental Health Minister for LGBT Rights?

Jacinta CollinsA worrying shuffle in the new Rudd government means the newly appointed Minister for Mental Health and Ageing is against gay marriage.

Replacing pro-LGBT rights Minister Mark Butler, Victorian Senator Jacinta Collins will be handling the portfolios as well as making a move to the front bench of the Labor Government.

- Advertisement -

The new Minister also opposes lesbians accessing in-vitro fertilisation and abortion.

Last year Senator Collins challenged the introduction of a same-sex marriage bill in Australia, she emphasised her party should encourage ‘stable, biological parenting’ that is fostered as a ‘social norm’.

Senator Collins also claimed in 2010 that the support of same-sex marriage would cause the Labor party to ‘risk losing touch with its political base’.

In attempts to squash concerns, Senator Collins spoke on ABC radio about maintaining new anti-discrimination policies:

“‘I think some of my colleagues have highlighted, regardless of personal views on areas such as same-sex marriage, they have not seen me exhibit over many years, anti-gay views.

‘I think it is very important to note that discrimination and stigma do effect mental health which is why the government has important programs to address these issues and I’m absolutely committed to continuing those programs”, she said.

With close links being made between discrimination and mental health problems, the young LGBT community are already four times more likely to attempt suicide.

Readers requiring assistance can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or contact the Gay and Lesbian Counseling Service at www.glccs.org.au

Nadine Walker 

Latest

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

King Princess embraces the chaos on new album ‘Girl Violence’

Mikaela Straus speaks to OUTinPerth about making their new album, branching into acting, and tabloid rumours.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Jett Blyton, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frost Children and Kim Petras, and Lola Young.  

On This Gay Day | Australia updated passport gender rules

The changes were brought in by the Gillard Labor government.

Newsletter

Don't miss

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

King Princess embraces the chaos on new album ‘Girl Violence’

Mikaela Straus speaks to OUTinPerth about making their new album, branching into acting, and tabloid rumours.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Jett Blyton, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frost Children and Kim Petras, and Lola Young.  

On This Gay Day | Australia updated passport gender rules

The changes were brought in by the Gillard Labor government.

Darren Hayes gives update on his recovery

The singer is making progress after breaking his jaw earlier this year.

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

King Princess embraces the chaos on new album ‘Girl Violence’

Mikaela Straus speaks to OUTinPerth about making their new album, branching into acting, and tabloid rumours.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Jett Blyton, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frost Children and Kim Petras, and Lola Young.