Tas push for suicide prevention

Tas push for suicide prevention

The Tasmanian Greens have vowed to push for a suicide prevention and awareness campaign for LGBTI Tasmanians today.

The announcement comes as the Tasmanian Parliament is due to vote on a motion calling for same-sex marriage rights in Australia.

Greens MP Paul O’Halloran said the proposal is in line with a recommendation from the recent Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee Inquiry into suicide which found high risk groups, such as LGBTI people, should be directly targeted.

“The Greens welcome the current debate over gay rights in Tasmania, and I think that it’s now time to also begin thinking about the negative social impacts of discrimination,” O’Halloran.

“There is a clear need for a more compassionate and effective mental health service that understands the specific needs of the LGBTI community.

“Social stigma and discrimination because of sexuality is a major contributor to the high incidence of mental health among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.”

The Tasmanian parliament is expected to make history today when it becomes the first state Government to back marriage equality in Australia.

Tasmanian Greens leader Nick McKim introduced a notice of motion to the House of Assembly yesterday expressing in-principle support for marriage equality. The motion also called for the federal Parliament to reform the Marriage Act.

The motion is expected to pass with Tasmanian Labor Premier Lara Giddings already indicating her party’s support and the Liberal Party allowing a conscience vote.

WATCH the debate unfold online from noon and a vote expected at 2.50pm.

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