Diversity dropped from youth charter

Basic protections for sexuality and gender diverse young people in state care have been removed from the charter for young Tasmanians.

Coming Out Proud spokesman Julian Punch, who is on the advisory committee, had lobbied for anti-discrimination protections as well as a right for young GLBT people to access gay culture.

Last week he discovered the provisions in an earlier draft had been removed and replaced with a right to attend church.
His group has filed a complaint against Tasmanian Children’s Commissioner Paul Mason over the exclusion.
Minister for Human Services Lin Thorp will release the final charter next month.
The Charter will confirm that children living in care have a right to be consulted with and listened to when it comes to decisions which affect them, Thorp said earlier this month.
We want children and young people to feel empowered to have a voice.