National
Man fined after refusing to apologise for anti-gay flyers
Tasmania’s Supreme Court has fined a man who refused to publicly apologise for distributing anti-gay flyers. James Durston distributed the flyer titled “Homosexuality stats” in the Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay in 2013. The flyers said “homosexuality should not be tolerated” and claimed scripture rejects homosexuality as “utterly abominable”. The anti-gay flyers made false claims …
LGBTIQ groups want ‘affirming’ religious discrimination bill
More than 50 Australian LGBTIQ groups have released a joint statement calling for an “affirming” Religious Discrimination Act. The statement backs “protections from discrimination for people of all faiths, and for people who don’t hold religious beliefs.” But new laws must not sanction new forms of discrimination against others, it adds. “As members of LGBTIQ+ …
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 …