Human Rights Commission accepts resignation
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) has accepted the resignation of board member Professor Kuruvilla George who was criticised for opposing same-sex marriage because it would damage “the health of our nation”.
In a statement this morning, VEOHRC chairman John Searle announced the board had accepted George’s resignation due to “time constraints and personal reasons that have emerged over recent months”.
“I and the other members of the board thank Dr George for his valuable contribution during his time of service as a board member,” Searle said.
George, also Victoria’s deputy chief psychiatrist, was one of 150 doctors to sign a Senate inquiry submission claiming recognition of same-sex marriage could potentially increase HIV rates and that children do better with a mother and a father.
Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby co-convenor Anna Brown said accepting George’s resignation was the right move.
“Professor George’s resignation is welcome and appropriate given the clear conflict between his public views on the supposed ‘heath risks’ of marriage equality and his duties to promote equality and non-discrimination as a board member of the Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission,” Brown told the Star Observer.
“Greater transparency and public input into future appointments is critical if these issues are to be avoided in the future.”
The term of office of most members of the VEOHRC Board ends in September, meaning that Attorney General Robert Clark – like George, who he appointed, reportedly a ‘devout’ Roman Catholic – will be appointing SIX new or renewing Board members. What’s the nomination process? What’s the selection process? Will we the public have input into the process, or will Clark stuff the board with more ‘religious’ types whose views he shares?
I am livid that people are running up to the children of same-sex attracted people and yelling “My family is better than yours”. I have no other words for this but child abuse. The ravings “Your family is not the ideal one for society”, robs children of a fundamental right – the right to a safe environment. Peter Ryan and Robert Clark are running around with the menace of a Catholic Bishop covering up child abuse here- they have not dealt with the problem, just moved it on.
It was important that Dr George resigned from the Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission but as Dave highlights he is still the Deputy Chief Psychiatrist in Victoria. Not only will he be a representative of the government and Victorians but he will also act at times as the Chief Psychiatrist in Victoria and represent that office. This is not acceptable without him distancing himself from his homophobic and disturbing comments submitted to the senate. It is unacceptable to have someone in such an important public office overseeing mental health services, policy and advice to government hold such views publicly.
I think it is time that Dr George went on another of his missionary trips! I suggest Iran!
Professor Kuruvilla George is speaking as the Deputy Chief Psychiatrist, representing Victoria, at the 13th International Health Conference on the 6th-8th of August at Surfers Paradise. I certainly do not want my taxes paying for someone I feel does not represent all the community, and puts his name to material the AMA has grave concerns over. I do not care what his view of marriage is, that is his, but I am concerned over the material he put his name on, and the great damage I think it has done to many people in the community.
I am very disappointed to find that 7 news and 9 news websites have chosen not to report this story (or similar), yet they both published the original and misleading “Doctor’s against Same Sex Marriage” type story. A bit suss if you ask me, not to mention harmful to the cause.
Ms. Brown’s response should be lauded as the graceful, measured statement it is. She has conveyed her satisfaction and approval without stooping to personal attacks or emotional rhetoric, and stuck to facts and called people’s attention to the ideals at the heart of the controversy.
Aside from the obvious relief at this resignation, I do hope that Ms Brown is congratulated for her truly admirable position.