Premium Content:

Moves to create a LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner blocked again

Labor has used its numbers in the Senate to block a Greens’ inquiry into reform of the Australian Human Rights Commission, including the appointment of an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner.

- Advertisement -

It’s the second time this week there’s been a push to create an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner via the parliament. Previously the Greens attempted to add a clause into legislation in the lower house.

During the parliamentary debate The Greens Senator David Shoebridge (pictured) said a specific LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner was needed, while colleague Senator Nick McKim labeled it a “gaping hole” in the structure of the commission.

“One of the key lacks in our human rights framework is the absence of a commissioner representing the LGBTIQA+ community.” Senator Shoebridge said.

“We can’t understand why the government is resisting the amendment we circulated to lift the protections for the LGBTIQA+ community and give them what they deserve: someone in their corner, a commissioner who can respond to what have been some quite hateful attacks—some of them driven by the previous government.”

Just.Equal Australia has described Labor’s vote against an inquiry as “very disappointing.”

Spokesperson, Brian Greig said they had been urging Labor to take action in this area for years.

“Just.Equal has been urging the Federal Government to appoint an LGBTIQA+ Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission for many years.”

“The absence of a federal LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner is one of the greatest weakness in Australia’s anti-discrimination framework.”

“An inquiry could have considered the best way to ensure the AHRC protects LGBTIQA+ human rights, including the appointment of a stand-alone Commissioner.”

Brian Greig said Labor’s vote against an inquiry directly contradicts its support for an LGBTIQA+ Commissioner in its 2016 election platform, something they’d highlighted in their recent correspondence with the Attorney-General.

“We have written to Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus, asking him to explain whether Labor is still committed to an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner, if not why not, and if so, when it intends to act.”

OIP Staff


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with...

On This Gay Day | Benjamin Britten was born in 1913

A central figure in music in the 20th century Britten composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with...

On This Gay Day | Benjamin Britten was born in 1913

A central figure in music in the 20th century Britten composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music.

Conservative group says Trump win renews hope of turning back same-sex marriage

Brian Brown from the International Organisation of the Family says he's hopeful the laws will be changed.

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with their most recent album Nonetheless but this British duo has been pushing out hit after...