The Australian Greens announced a raft of policies relating to the LGBTIQ community. The annoucement was made yesterday during International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia.
The party said it would commit to $32 million full roll out of the Safe Schools program, removal of religious exemptions to federal anti-discrimination law and work to get PrEP listed on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme.
Sexuality spokesperson Senator Robert Simms (pictured left) and gender identity & intersex spokesperson Senator Janet Rice said the policies would improve inclusiveness, promote awareness and stamp out sexuality and gender identity-based discrimination.
“Under current anti-discrimination laws, a gay man can be fired from working at a private school and a transgender person can be turned away from a religious homeless shelter. We shouldn’t be giving religious organisations a get-out-of-jail-free card and the right to discriminate,” Senator Simms said.
“Allowing a right to discriminate undermines the effectiveness of these kinds of laws. These exemptions can ruin someone’s life.”
Earlier today Labor leader Bill Shorten said his party did not support making any changes to the religious exemptions in the anti-discrimination laws.
The Greens also announced a commitment to making HIV prevention medication PrEP on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS).
The treatment procedure which involves a HIV negative people taking a daily pill to combat the transmission of HIV was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in Australia earlier this month. However unless it is placed on the PBS, it remains an expansive option for people wishing to take up the treatment.
“The next step is for the Federal Government to list it under the PBS. Once this occurs we will see this drug being made accessible and affordable for Australians in high risk groups.” Senator Simms said.
The Greens commit to full funding for Safe Schools
The Greens said they would commit $32 million over the next four years for the Safe Schools program is part of a set of the Greens’ broad-ranging policies that take action to reduce discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people and their families.
“When our community embraces diversity and celebrates difference, all of us benefit,” Senator Janet Rice (pictured above) said.
“The PM’s Safe Schools and marriage equality cave-in to the dinosaurs on his backbench has been so disappointing.
Meet the Greens
Find out more about The Greens and what they’re offering at federal election at a special event at The Court Hotel.
The Greens LGBTI Community Panel is your chance to put your questions to The Greens politicians and find out where they stand on key issues and topics that matter to you.
On the panel will be Senator Scott Ludlam, Senator Rachel Siewert and Western Australian MLC Lynn MacLaren.
The discussion will be hosted by OUTinPerth editor Graeme Watson and the fabulous Veronica Jean Jones will be the Mistress of Ceremonies.
The Court Hotel, 50 Beaufort Street, Perth, 6pm Wednesday 25th May 2016.
This is deceptive. Where is the money coming from and since when have minor parties had the ability to raise items in the budget?
This is deceptive. Where is the money coming from and since when have minor parties had the ability to raise items in the budget?