The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has today welcomed the election of Penny Sharpe to NSW Legislative Council, replacing Carmel Tebutt who has moved to the Legislative Assembly as the member for Marrickville.

Sharpe, who is a lesbian mother of two, has publicly stated that she will be a strong advocate of gay and lesbian issues in the parliament, in particular parenting rights for gay and lesbian parents.

According to Julie McConnell, co-convenor, “the election of Penny Sharpe to the NSW Upper House is a positive step for gay and lesbia reform in NSW. Having a lesbian mum as a member of parliament when the GLRL and the gay and lesbian community are campaigning for important parenting reform is a great benefit”.

She added, “The GLRL looks forward to working closely with Penny Sharpe, and other progressive members of Parliament, to ensuring that the Government carries out reforms such as amending the Status of Children Act, and the Adoption Act”.