New agenda for rights lobby
Under new leadership, the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (VGLRL) will push for stronger federal protection and will target vilification at state and federal levels.
New VGLRL convenor Anna Brown (pictured) has been working with the committee to create a strong agenda.
Brown told the Star Observer she was excited to lead the lobby this year despite there being no male co-convenor.
“I’m looking forward to a year where we have some energy and reinvigoration of the lobby and expand its base of activity,” she said.
“We’ve had a strategic planning day and settled in some priority issues this year.”
The key issues for 2012 were lobbying for stronger federal anti-discrimination laws, targeting LGBT vilification, creating LGBT-friendlier workplaces, and working towards developing a state peak body.
“We need coverage at federal level to protect LGBTI community from discrimination,” Brown said.
The federal Government is working on draft legislation that will consolidate anti-discrimination laws into a single law. With bipartisan support, LGBT people will also be protected by the new nationwide law.
“We need to keep the pressure on and make sure federal Parliament delivers the best outcome for our community,” Brown said.
States and territories, along with the Commonwealth, already have anti-discrimination laws in place, however, Brown said there was room for improvement.
“The simple answer is, I think the more protection, the better,” she said.
“The fact that we’re reforming the Commonwealth laws now is a chance to push to hopefully achieve an even greater level of protection.”
Brown said reforms for systemic discrimination were also needed as well as greater access to justice when it came to discrimination complaints.
“Most people wouldn’t be aware but if you have suffered discrimination, the process of taking forward a complaint under equal opportunity laws is very burdensome and it’s a big disincentive and we don’t actually get many cases coming through the courts for that reason,” she said.
The VGLRL is seeking a male co-convenor to help lead the organisation with Brown.
She said the lobby was also examining fundraising options, including a formal dinner to celebrate achievements in the LGBTI community. She urged anyone interested in the idea to contact the VGLRL.
INFO: www.vglrl.org.au
I’ve just discovered that in 2012 my partner’s superanuation fund discriminates, as does mine.
To leave his Hostplus super to me, we must be “registered” as a couple. We have declined to be “registered” thus far because we are not dogs. Once we are registered, we must renew this document every three years or it expires. Married heterosexuals do not have to renew the document every three years. My parter & I are forbidden by law to marry.
Also: my super fund, the PSS which is Commonwealth public service; when I joined the PSS in 1984 I advised them that my next of kin was my father. Over the last 28 years I’ve had a loving domestic relationship with my partner & my father has died. The PSS this year told me that THEY decide who gets my super should I die & because I originally put my next of kin as my father, my super WILL go to my father’s estate which is my step-mother & her son. The PSS do NOT allow you to change your beneficiary. My partner & my brother don’t get a look in. This is why we need to allow gay people to marry in this country. And this is why some people don’t want gays to marry, it’s all about money & inheritance. Gay Rights Lobby’s still have their work cut out for them.
Sally, thanks for that. What about the SGLMG? Do you agree they discriminate against bisexual, transgender and intersex people through leaving their names out?
Oops! Spearatism needs to be separatism – even though parts of GLBTI have been at each other with spears, daggers and more at times (grins ruefully)
Hi Stuart
I totally agree that inclusiveness is important. I also think this can be achieved in different ways. I’d like to give some background on this.
In 1997, when the VGLRL was formed, there was much debate re “who to include,” especially re transgender.
Rather than include and “swallow” trans or continue unhealthy spearatism, they took a 3rd path. Early co-convenors (especially Janet Jukes and Kenton Miller, may they be blessed) helped with mentoring and community development of TransGender Victoria. I believe the results have strengthened the trans community in Victoria since that time.
More recently, with the formation of Bisexual Alliance Victoria (2010) and the growth of bodies like OII Australia And AISSGA for those experiencing intersex, these communities have shown their own strength. The VGLRL works in close co-operation and communication with everyone and takes heed of their views but does not speak directly for all of these groups as they are doing good work – let’s not duplicate.
So I suppose there’s more than one way to skin a cat!
I hope this clarifies things, happy to discuss further or contact me offline if desired.
Cheeyars
Sally Goldner
Treasurer VGLRL
Treasurer BAV
Spokesperson TGV
If the VGLRL is serious about fighting discrimination, it can begin by changing its name to include bisexual, transgender and intersex people.