News
Attorney-General makes ‘religious freedom’ LGBT pledge
The government’s religious discrimination laws “aren’t intended” to interfere with state laws protecting LGBT people, Attorney-General Christian Porter says. Porter told the Guardian his bill “is not intended to displace state law nor will it import specific provisions of international law.” The Attorney-General is still working on the bill, and his statement comes after concerns …
Trans and gender diverse rally in Melbourne
Victorian trans and gender diverse people and friends will rally this Sunday July 14. The rally will celebrate the trans community and also call on the Parliament to pass law reform. Activists are calling for parliament to amend the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 in Victoria. Specifically, they want easier access to correct …
Fr Rod Bower’s response to anti-gay heckler
New South Wales Anglican priest Father Rod Bower has been heckled on camera for his contribution to the religion freedom debate. The outspoken priest’s signs are well-known throughout Australia for his uncompromising messages on social issues and politics. Appearing on ABC’s 7.30 program on Wednesday night, Fr Bower was filmed replacing his recent church sign …
Poll reveals little support for Religious Freedoms Bill
A Guardian Essential poll reveals only 38% of Australians support a religious freedoms bill as currently proposed by right wing elements of the federal government. Since the federal election and the Israel Folau controversy, politicians and the Australian Christian Lobby launched petitions for federal action. 64% of people surveyed in the poll agreed with the …
Serial sex offender sentenced to jail
Perth magistrate Richard Bayly sentenced serial sex offender Brendon Quintin Webb to almost four years jail on Friday after he pleaded guilty to 17 counts of indecent assault. Webb picked up young intoxicated men from Perth nightclub districts. He then assaulted the men sexually and filmed the abuse on his mobile phone. Webb used a …
Breastscreen Victoria receives Rainbow Tick
BreastScreen Victoria’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and accessible cancer screening has been recognised with a Rainbow Tick. The organisation’s BreastScreen Coordination Unit received the Rainbow Tick. The tick recognises the provision of inclusive and progressive services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people. Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria and Quality Innovation Performance developed …
Make voices heard on religious discrimination
Just.equal urges LGBTI groups to make their views known to the Federal Government on proposed religious discrimination and freedom laws. Recently, the Government announced a consultation process involving MPs and religious groups. However, it is not clear if LGBTI groups can participate. Just.equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said, “We have an assurance from the office of …
Call to protect anti-discrimination laws
“Anti-discrimination laws have made Australia an immensely more inclusive and equitable society. We will strongly oppose any attempt to weaken those laws under the cover of ‘religious freedom’.” – Rodney Croome, just.equal Advocates called on Labor, the Greens and Senate cross-bench to oppose any new law that weakens existing protections from discrimination. The call comes …
Albanese: cut LGBTIQ references from Labor policy
Anthony Albanese’s talk of cutting LGBTIQ References from Labor policy shocked and outraged many. He made a strangely off-key remark about the number of inclusions of the term LGBTIQ in his party’s wordy policy platform document. The New Daily reported he voiced his concerns about the length of the document in a party meeting. But …
Prime Minister: Employers should respect beliefs
Prime Minister Scott Morrison last night responded to questions about Israel Folau’s fight against Rugby Australia. He addressed the controversy after questions from ABC 7.30 host Leigh Sales about the proposed religious freedoms bill. Update A new book by political commentator Nikki Savas about the battle that saw Scott Morrison become Prime Minister, says his …