Gay rights book gets a makeover

The Attorney-General’s Department has issued a new version of its Acts of Passion outlining the new suite of GLBT rights.

The new version of the booklet, titled Understanding Your Legal Rights: A Guide For Lesbians And Gay Men In NSW, is available through the Attorney-General’s crime prevention website.

It gives an extensive outline of GLBT rights in areas of property law, privacy, dealing with violence and a guide to using anti-discrimination legislation. The booklet also outlines the areas of law which are still unequal for lesbians and gay men.

The resource is an update from an earlier legal resource booklet aimed at lesbians and gay men. That resource had become outdated due to law reform. We aim to update this resource as required to reflect the current legislation, a spokesperson from the Attorney-General’s Department said.

It is important for everyone to be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities, regardless of their sexuality, gender or ethnicity. Law reform over the past 25 years has seen changes that have afforded gay men and lesbians legal protections, responsibilities and rights that bring them closer to those enjoyed by the wider community.

There is a need to continue to educate the gay and lesbian community about their rights because often these people are unaware of where they stand legally. When people understand their rights they are more able to exercise them.

info: The updated Understanding Your Legal Rights: A Guide For Lesbians And Gay Men In NSW is available for download off the crime prevention website,
www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au.