What will Gillard do?

The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) acknowledges the appointment of Australia’s first female prime minister, Julia Gillard.

The GLRL would like to thank former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for implementing the historic reforms in 2008 which gave same-sex couples de facto rights across 85 pieces of federal legislation.

However, the GLRL also acknowledges that the Rudd Government was very clearly opposed to reforming the Marriage Act to allow all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity to marry.

He appears to have been swayed by his personal religious beliefs that say that the institution of marriage is reserved as the union of a man and a woman.

Gillard has not yet made clear what her stance on the rights of lesbians, gay men and their families is, however, she does not appear to hold the same religious beliefs as Rudd. The GLRL hopes this may mean she may be open to reforming the Marriage Act and amending the current discriminatory definitions.

Gillard is yet to be elected by the people of Australia. The future of her leadership will be determined in the federal election later this year. As a non-partisan organisation the GLRL will continue to lobby parliamentarians across the political spectrum to ensure equality and social justice is achieved for lesbians, gay men and their families.

The GLRL would also strongly urge everyone to support Clover Moore’s Adoption Amendment (Same-Sex Couples) Bill. The Bill furthers the best interests of children by granting same-sex couples eligibility to adopt. If passed, the Bill will remove the last piece of direct legislative discrimination against same-sex couples in NSW.

Take action on adoption equality immediately. Demand an end to the last piece of direct legislative discrimination against same-sex couples in NSW by telling your local MP to support the Bill. Find out who your local MP is and send a letter to Premier Kristina Kenneally by visiting our website: www.glrl.org.au

By Kellie McDonald, NSW GLRL