The Greens call on the Liberal party to support safe schools

The Greens have called on the Liberal Party to use tonight’s Court Hotel campaign event to announce support for same sex marriage and Safe Schools.

Greens spokesperson for sexuality and gender identity Lynn MacLaren MLC has called on Premier Colin Barnett and the Liberal Party to use their campaign event at The Court Hotel to show their support for same sex marriage and Safe Schools.

The event is being held for Perth MLA Eleni Evangel. Evangel is hoping to secure a second term in parliament but is facing tough competition from Labor’s candidate John Carey.

Carey, who has a significant profile from his time as Mayor of Vincent, has according to recent polls got the lead on the seat which will be one to watch on election night.

Evangel has previously voiced her belief in marriage equality and is an enthusiastic supporter of Pride WA. The MP has not publicly commented on the Safe Schools program.

MacLaren said she believed it was an insult to the LGBTIQA+ community to host a pre-election event at one of the city’s most popular nightspots without acknowledging and correcting their opposition to marriage rights for all and ongoing support for LGBTIQA+ students in the states schools and TAFEs.

“I’d hope the party would use the opportunity to apologise to the community and pledge to do much better in terms of standing up for LGBTIQA+ equality.”

While The Greens and Labor have committed to funding the controversial Safe Schools anti-bullying program, Education Minister Peter Collier has welcomed its demise once its federal funding ends.

There is also a stark difference between the The Greens/Labor and the Liberals approach to removing historical gay convictions.

While all parties have indicated they are supportive of creating similar legislation that other states have announced or enacted, Premier Colin Barnett has held off from saying he would offer an apology to gay men who arrested and charged for crimes relating to their sexuality.

Lynn MacLaren said tonight was an opportunity for the Liberal party to show the LGBTI community that they could do better.

“I’d hope the party would use the opportunity to apologise to the community and pledge to do much better in terms of standing up for LGBTIQA+ equality.” MacLaren said.

A similar event was held during the last state election campaign.

OIP Staff

The Premier’s Office was contacted for comment.