Just.Equal Australia has written to Minister for Immigration, Alex Hawke, urging him to accept LGBTIQ+ refugees from Ukraine.
The move comes as the US State Department reveals invading Russian forces have a kill list that includes LGBTIQ+ community members.
“We have asked the Australian Government to make it clear that Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ refugees are welcome to Australia, given the fact they are targets of invading Russian forces,” Just.Equal spokesperson Rodney Croome said.
“The Russian Government is infamous for its anti-LGBTIQ+ laws and its police repression of the LGBTIQ+ community.”
“Australia should be a safe refuge for those whose rights and lives are under immediate threat, including LGBTIQ+ people who are targetted because of who they are.”
Ukraine still does not legally recognise same-sex relationships and there has been opposition to pride parades. However, in 2015 the Ukrainian Parliament passed an employment discrimination law for LGBTIQ+ people.
In 2016 gender affirmation for transgender people was simplified and blood donation was allowed for gay and bisexual men. A 2017 opinion poll found 56% of Ukrainians believe LGBTIQ+ people should have equal rights. Pride parades occur in most large cities
This is in contrast to Russia where public discussion of same-sex relationships is considered propaganda and banned, there are no anti-discrimination protections, pride parades are frequently disrupted, and deadly purges of LGBTIQ people continue in Chechnya.
You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.