Doug PollardLooking for Answers
What? Gay issues? Can't hear you!
I am still trying, so far without success, to get a senior spokesperson from either main party to come on Freshly Doug and expound their GLBTI platform, as the Greens did last week.
Regarding a raft of issues of importance to the GLBTI community. It isn't all about marriage - there are many other issues we need to canvass. I have today (again) asked both majors to provide either a written response or a spokesperson on the following issues.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
First and foremost - anti-discrimination law. Will your government introduce a comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering sexuality, gender identity and gender expression?
PEAK BODY & MINISTER
Second - will you commit to establishing and funding a peak national body similar to those extant for other groups such as seniors, youth, indigenous Australians etc., and likewise designate a responsible Minister? As the Greens have promised.
UNMARRIAGE
Thirdly – given that you are not yet ready to enter the 21st century and countenance marriage equality, exactly what would you do regarding a federal relationship recognition scheme that does not disadvantage same-sex couples vis-a-vis heterosexual couples? That does not enshrine discrimination in law? Especially as research shows that GLBTI inequality, including the inability to marry, is a significant contributor to poorer than average mental health outcomes for GLBTI folk.
FOREIGN POLICY
Fourthly - the US and UK governments actively lobby for gay rights in the countries where they have embassies and consulates,supporting local GLBTI organisations, joining Pride Marches, providing facilities for organisations to meet and even refuge for the persecuted. A 'Kill the gays’ bill is mooted in Uganda, they’re still hanging gays in Iran and murdering them in Iraq. What would be your governments GLBTI foreign policy?
INTERNET
Fifthly - the internet filter is likely to have a significant impact on glbti people, especially those in rural and regional Australia. Unless very carefully designed it could cut the possibilities for social networking and block vital sexual health information, leading to poorer physical and mental health. How will you avoid this?
Doug Pollard
MINOR PARTIES
As the majors, so far, have nothing to say (beyond a thin response to the Tasmanian gay rights group from the Liberals), I will continue to explore the minor party options, with one of the candidates for the Australian Sex Party joining the show this week.
UPDATE AUGUST 4
The Labor Party's response to the above, which is the same as their previous response to a request for a spokesperson:
"Mark Butler who is the Parliamentary Secretary for Health would be available if you were interested in speaking to someone from Federal Labor. Mark's portfolio covers the areas of HIV, STI's and BBV's."
I don't think I need comment. I have declined this offer.
Meanwhile Liberal HQ are still 'co-ordinating a response for you'.
