As part of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby’s (GLRL) Federal election strategy, the GLRL is calling upon and encouraging gays and lesbians of all ages to ensure that they are enrolled to vote in the forthcoming Federal election.

“There are many Federal laws which continue to discriminate against gay men and lesbians”, said GLRL Convenor Alex Sosnov. “The GLRL is working hard to ensure that the key Federal candidates and political parties will commit to reforming these discriminatory laws”, said Sosnov.

“The first step in influencing the Federal election, is to ensure that you are enrolled to vote so that you have the opportunity to stand up and be counted”, said Anthony Schembri, GLRL Convenor.

Schembri said that “enrolling to vote is really easy. All you need to is complete an electoral enrolment form which can be downloaded from the web”. Enrolment forms can be obtained from the Australian Electoral Commission at: www.aec.gov.au or alternatively at any Australia Post outlet.

Sosnov also “reminded gays and lesbians who have recently moved home address to update these details with the Australian Electoral Commission”. The forms for this can be obtained from the web or Australian Post.

Schembri said “that gays and lesbians should do this now because once the Federal election is announced, the electoral roll can close as soon as 7 days after the announcement”. He added “don’t let not being correctly enrolled stop you having your say at the election”.