More Information:

Ms Alex Sosnov (Convenor)
0418 207 027

Mr Anthony Schembri
(Convenor)
0400 817299

The “Does Size Matter?” forum will be held at Stonewall Hotel, Oxford St, Darlinghurst on Monday 18th June at 6.30pm.

PRESS RELEASE -

LOBBY TARGETS FEDERAL ISSUES

The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby will launch its biggest ever Federal election campaign today with the “Does Size Matter?” forum exploring whether gay men and lesbians should desert major parties for minor ones.

“There’s an incredible level of disillusionment with the major parties in our community yet many would question whether smaller parties can really deliver for us. The answer has never been more important with the 2001 election shaping up as the most important federal election for gays and lesbians in memory.
While advances have been made in many states, federal laws continue to discriminate against lesbians and gay men. We have seen unprecedented attacks on our community by the current Prime Minister, whose dislike of homosexuality is well known. This attitude legitimises homophobia and even violence against gays and lesbians,” said female Lobby Convenor Alex Sosnov

Superannuation and federal anti-discrimination legislation are looming as the big election issues for lesbians and gay men.

“We are compelled to contribute to super schemes – just like our heterosexual colleagues. Yet if we die our partners and children can be treated differently, missing out on death benefits that would be paid to heterosexuals. This can plunge our families into poverty and adds to people’s distress at a time when they are trying to cope with the loss of a loved one”, explained male Convenor Anthony Schembri.

He cited lack of protection from discrimination as another problem area:
“Federal anti-discrimination laws don’t cover gays and lesbians despite overwhelming evidence of our need for protection. The Federal Government claims to govern for all Australians but has not seen fit to protect us from unfair treatment. We know that homophobic violence, workplace discrimination and harassment of gay and lesbian kids in schools are at shocking levels. Any government claiming to represent all Australians must act urgently”.