New national poll: 85% of Australians support
Federal Government introducing anti-discrimination laws

1 July 2009

Rudd Government applauded for co-sponsoring UN GLBTI declaration

But more work needed on national anti-discrimination laws

10 December 2008

Lobby group the Australian Coalition for Equality has today welcomed a commitment from the Federal Government to co-sponsor a non-binding UN declaration calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

The proposed declaration, to be presented by France and supported by all 27 member nations of the European Union, states that the laws that criminalise GLBTI people in 85 nations worldwide are fundamental breaches of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson Rod Swift has congratulated the Federal Government on now taking a leadership role in fostering international human rights.

"We understand the Australian Mission to the General Assembly in New York has been instructed not only to support the French Statement, but to sign on as a co-sponsor," Mr Swift said.

Lobby calls for immediate sexuality and gender anti-discrimination laws

10 December 2008

Lobby group the Australian Coalition for Equality has today called on the Federal Government to enact laws to eliminate discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity without delay.

The group has welcomed the Federal Government's commitment to consult over a possible national human rights act, but says current laws need bolstering to give human rights bodies the power to determine sexuality and gender identity discrimination cases.

The call comes on International Human Rights Day, this year marking the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. The Attorney-General Robert McClelland today, also announced a national consultation into protecting and strengthening human rights.

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson Rod Swift said that current laws are clearly deficient and in need of immediate changes.