Rights charter talks begin
Community consultations for a human rights charter will begin in Queanbeyan next week, marking the beginning of a process which GLBT organisations encourage everyone to get involved with.
On February 11 the National Human Rights Consultation Committee will begin collecting verbal submissions on developing a federal human rights charter.
Such a charter would enshrine a set of basic human rights into Australian law, which could have major benefits for the GLBT community, Australian Coalition for Equality spokesman Corey Irlam said.
It’s vital that people with diverse sexuality and gender identity attend these consultations, as a way to ensure that our community’s issues are addressed, Irlam told Sydney Star Observer.
It needs to be ensured that sexual orientation and gender identity are protected attributes under any charter of rights. This would ensure that the parliament would be required to investigate if any future acts of parliament unfairly discriminated against the LGBTI community before they were passed.
We also need to call for the removal of discrimination exemptions for service providers run by religious organisations, like schools and welfare groups. It is not appropriate for government-funded or government-subsidised organisations like a school to discriminate against gay and lesbian teachers or for welfare service providers to turn away people on the basis of their gender identity.
Irlam encouraged community groups living near the consultation sites to make sure at least two local members were present.
People from around the country will also be able to make written submissions to the consultation committee and the Australian Human Rights Commission is holding workshops on February 27, for people and organisations who want to learn more about the submission process.
info: For more information go to www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au. Submission writing workshops will be held on February 27 at the Australian Human Rights Commission, Piccadilly Tower, Castlereagh St from 9.30am.
Following Australia’s refusal to sign the declaration on the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality presented to the UN in DEC 2008, why did Australia refuse to sign. In great Aussie tradition, I did not recieve any reply from both the President of the United Nations Association of Australia or by The Hon Stephen Smith MP – Department of Foreign Affairs. Sadly Australia is lagging far behind in terms of equality and Austalia’s silence in regards to gay rights only equates to homophobia. Silence is a cowardly act and very much an Australian trait. Still, gay activism here in Australia has always been tough when it had to be. I think now is the time to stand up as a religious Jihad has taken place globally that greatly influences politics, society and social laws stained with homophobia that protects its actions by the right for free religious beliefs. Multiculturalism, sexism all hold strength here yet human equality is confined when it comes to gays. I think activism through public servant style negotiation is long winded, drawn out and loses zest. Human rights is human rights and you fight for that. Economics is the sole reason Australian Government recognises gay relationships and a recognition done through gritted teeth. Marriage is highlighted as sacred and honourable (and) only for heterosexuals. It seems gay’s are good enough as civilians when it comes time to pay tax. WE ONLY got token recognition solely because it benefits Government in regards to taxation or pension benifits. Come on – WE ARE NOT recognised for being people with spirituality nor are we recognised as having any credible ability to love and be part of Australian society. Ausralia has many gay men and women on and off the “scene” but we are all gay when it comes to legislation. There is nothing intelligent, religious or academic that this argument against gay men or women can contribute – it is just common blatant homophobia and believing in any god does not justify that.
I welcome a Human Rights Act for Australia, we urgently need to protect and enhance ALL human rights in Australia. Did you know we are the only country in the world that does not have a bill of rights – FORSHAME!!!! From black rights, womens rights, religious rights, disability rights, gay rights, political rights, career rights, etc, etc, etc – all the way to FULL “MARRIAGE” RIGHTS FOR ALL!!!