Ready to fight for you
I’d like to introduce myself as the new co-convenor of the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby.
In 2005 I was a first-year graduate law student looking to get some experience working in a community organisation. I contacted GLRL and was voted on to committee at that year’s AGM. In 2007 I became committee secretary and continued in that role until mid-2008 when I went overseas.
I was invited back to committee earlier this year and was recently asked to be co-convenor with Benjamin Keats.
I helped facilitate the 2006 statewide community consultations on relationship recognition, the results of which were published in our 2007 report All Love is Equal… Isn’t it? I also worked on our 58’08 campaign and helped coordinate volunteers during Mardi Gras and other GLRL events.
I have witnessed the Lobby’s campaign efforts come to fruition in state law reform for lesbian co-mothers, and for lesbians and gay men who now have substantial legal equality at a federal level, thanks to the 2008 federal law reforms.
Although the GLRL is recognised for achieving legislative reform, the community is often not aware of the extent of ‘behind-the-scenes’ work the GLRL does developing campaigns, drafting submissions, liaising with other community organisations and meeting with politicians.
Since the 1999 NSW law reforms and the 2008 federal law reforms lesbians and gay men have substantially the same legal rights as their heterosexual counterparts. Adoption equality at a state level, and federally marriage and anti-discrimination legislation, are the missing links in removing discrimination against the GLBT community.
Working as a lawyer in the community sector I know legislative equality often does not equate to substantive social equality. However, achieving legislative equality is the necessary first step in achieving social justice. I feel honoured to have been asked to assume a position which will allow me to lobby for equality and social justice on behalf of our community.
Hi there,
You didn’t say your name in the article but hello. I’m one of the National Union of Students Queer Officers for 2009 and one of the organisers of the fantastic August 1 rally for same sex marriage that saw 8,000 ppl Australia wide on the streets for equal marriage rights.
But where was the GLRL? Nowhere! I personally called and called, emailed and pleaded for the GLRL to come on board but to no effect. I can only surmise that the GLRL are too closely tied to the Labor party to want to be part of the protest that demands equal rights from this homophobic government.
Here’s hoping new conveners will see a change of heart from the NSWGLRL and that you will participate in and support the next rally on November 28 which will be launching a year of serious campaigning to demand equal rights.
Please call me to begin a dialogue about how the GLRL can support the 1,000’s who are prepared to really stand up for equal rights.
Heidi Claus – 0419 377 396
Hi there,
You didn’t say your name in the article, but hello. I’m Heidi, one of this year’s National Union of Students Queer Officers, and an activist in the Equal Love campaign that CAAH is part of. We put on the fantastic August 1 National Day of Action that saw 8,000 ppl Australia wide out on the streets for equal marriage rights.
But there was a distinct lack of support for this fantastic rally from the NSWGLRL. Many unanswered phone calls and emails, and no response from the GLRL to be involved in NSW. I mean, what’s up GLRL?
I hope having new conveners we’ll see some action on this from the lobby. I’d really love to hear from you so please give me a call on 0419 377 396.
Thanks heaps,
Heidi Claus
As George Orwell noted, all people are equal but some are more equal than others. So it seems, is love between consenting partners.
You say that federal laws provide the same legal rights as heterosexuals enjoy. But is this enough?
If so, then why is it that Gary Burns has to burn a hole in his own pocket to hightlight rampaging homophobia?
I suggest you also lobby for a public prosecutor’s-type office which will initiate these legal actions, or some co-ordinating body which will pull together the Public Interest Advocacy Centre etc for class actions.
Also, I think we should also be looking at a human rights claim to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
And asking the required consent body to declare 2020 the year of Gay equality: it’s a matter of hindsight and foresight.
Thank you.
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