New committee for rights lobby
The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) selected a new committee at its AGM in Sydney last week. Co-convenors Lainie Arnold and Justin Koonin were both re-elected for second terms and four new members joined the Committee of Management.
“I am extremely honoured to be continuing to work with such a passionate team of people, pushing for legislative equality for same-sex couples and families,” Arnold said. “With our 25th anniversary in 2013, we will take the opportunity to recognise how far we’ve come, but also recognise what lies ahead of us to achieve social justice for our community.”
GLRL Co-Convenor Justin Koonin said the organisation’s priorities for the next year include work on federal anti-discrimination legislation, continued lobbying at both federal and state levels for marriage equality, and the repeal of the “gay panic” defence in NSW. “It will be a very busy year, and I look forward to the challenge,” he said.
The new committee is: Lainie Arnold (female convenor), Justin Koonin (male convenor), Lauren Foy (secretary), Chris Pycroft (treasurer) and general members Amanda Alford, James Bolster, Michael Chan, Brendan French, Alastair Lawrie, Doug Millen, Dean Price and Jack Smith.
The GLRL also thanked outgoing committee treasurer James Sin and members Leah Weber and Hayley Williams.