The highs and lows for LGBTI rights in 2012
As we approach the end of 2012, LGBTI rights are taking dramatically different directions on different sides of the world. In Australia, the push for comprehensive anti-discrimination protection for LGBTI people is moving steadily forwards.
This Friday, submissions close on the exposure draft of the government’s new anti-discrimination legislation. The inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity as protected attributes is long overdue and most welcome.
We will be pushing for narrow and transparent exemptions from these laws for religious organisations. As the draft stands, religious organisations will not be exempt in the provision of aged-care services. We applaud this move as it will protect some of the most vulnerable in our community.
However, religious exemptions will continue to apply with respect to other vulnerable groups – in the provision of education, health care and domestic violence services, for example. It is difficult to see how this is justified.
We will also be arguing for greater clarity in terminology around gender identity.
Importantly, the exposure draft does not appear to provide adequate protection for intersex people. The legislation currently making its way through Tasmanian Parliament sets a standard in this regard, and we will be encouraging the federal government to follow the Tasmanian lead.
There are other issues which need to be addressed, but overall we must recognise the new legislation as a significant step forwards for our community.
The news in other parts of the world is mixed.
Last Wednesday, a marriage equality bill passed Uruguay’s Lower House by a vote of 81-6.
On the same day, the Mexican state of Oaxaca moved in the same direction, with the Mexican Supreme Court ruling that the exclusion of marriage law for gay and lesbian couples is unconstitutional.
With marriage equality legislation expected to pass the UK Parliament next year, the pressure on our own government is increasing.
Yet in other places the news is not good.
In Uganda, a bill providing for jail terms for various homosexual acts, including life imprisonment under certain circumstances may pass before Christmas.
Parliamentary speaker Rebecca Kadaga said, “Ugandans want that law as a Christmas gift. They have asked for it and we’ll give them that gift”.
It is a reminder that despite all the advances we have made around the world in recent years, we cannot be complacent, and indeed have a responsibility towards those around the world who do not share the freedoms we often take for granted.
With wishes for a world in which every person is free to express their love, have a wonderful break over the New Year!
