politics
Trina Massey – the Greens for Central Ward, Brisbane
As we go to press, local government elections continue in Queensland with polling day Saturday 28 March. Local councils are our most accessible level of government with the elected representatives more available to constituents than at state or federal level. Trina Massey, the Greens candidate for Central Ward spoke to us about her passion for …
People on Twitter urging PM to #shutaustraliadown
Australians on Twitter have developed the #shutaustraliadown trend, urging Prime Minister Scott Morrison to send the nation into lockdown. Believe it or not, Australia is one of the last nations to self-isolate. Okay, you believe it. We’re pretty laid back when it comes to this sort of thing. But, it seems at the moment, more …
Fury as Morrison Government delays gay law review
LGBTIQ advocates have slammed the Morrison government for again delaying law changes to protect LGBT students and staff at faith schools. Last week, it emerged federal Attorney-General Christian Porter quietly delayed the reporting date of a legal inquiry into faith schools’ ability to expel LGBTIQ students or refuse enrolment from same-sex families. Prime Minister Scott …
Cook Islands to hold first Pride Day to fight anti-gay laws
The Cook Islands will hold its first Pride Day this month, as the country’s LGBTIQ community fights to have homosexuality decriminalised. In 2017, the Cook Islands Parliament removed “indecent acts between men” and “sodomy” from a draft Crimes Bill. However, in November the government backflipped and reinstated the clause to the draft Bill after pressure …
Anti-gay former U.S. congressman finally comes out
Notoriously anti-gay former U.S. congressman Aaron Schock finally told the world what it long ago knew this week. During his six years in office, Schock earned renowned for his anti-gay voting record. Earning a 0% rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard, he opposed same-sex marriage and lifting the ban on gays serving in …
Sporting bodies slam religious discrimination bill
Seven of Australia’s largest sporting bodies want changes to the latest draft of the federal government’s controversial religious discrimination bill. The Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports (COMPPS) includes the AFL, NRL, FFA and Rugby Australia. Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia, and Netball Australia are also part. In their response to the bill, COMPPS argues …
Margaret Court—consulate set up for anti-gay African regime
Infamous homophobe Margaret Court is making headlines again today after her church set up a consulate for Burundi — an anti-gay African regime. The Federal Government approved the consulate despite the African Republic of Burundi’s homophobic reputation. Now, you can find the honorary WA office listed on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. …
‘Thank you Pete’: Tributes as Pete Buttigieg leaves race
Pete Buttigieg has ended his ambitious and historic campaign to become US President. Last year, the 38-year-old became the first openly gay presidential contender from a major party with his run for the Democratic nomination. He then went on to break ground by becoming the first out candidate to earn primary delegates for a major …
LGBTIQ advocates oppose Bettina Arndt honour
LGBTIQ advocates this week urged the rescinding of the Order of Australia award bestowed on Bettina Arndt in January. Advocates from across the nation wrote to Government House to protest the honour. Each of the signatories previously themselves received an Order of Australia. The advocates cite commentary by Arndt they describe as based on biased …
Shocking map shows a third of Poland is ‘LGBT-free zone’
Activists in Poland have showed a third of their country is a self-declared “LGBT-free” zone as local governments pass resolutions against “LGBT ideology”. In 12 months, more than 80 Polish municipal or local governments have proclaimed themselves to be “free from LGBTI ideology” through the pledges. Lawmakers in the areas passed the resolutions vowing to …