Christian Lobby & State Libs oppose best interests of children / 'Homophobia' tag defended

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 6.4.11

 

Tasmanian gay activists say the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) and the State Liberal Party are putting outdated prejudices ahead of the best interests of children by proposing the continued criminalisation of same-sex surrogacy.

Responding to claims by the ACL that it is in the best interests of children to have a father and a mother, Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said love makes a family, not gender.

"The overwhelming conclusion of parenting studies around the world is that it is in the best interests of children to have parents who love them, regardless of the gender of those parents", Mr Croome said.

"By proposing to keep same-sex surrogacy illegal, the Australian Christian Lobby and the State Liberal Party are putting outdated prejudice ahead of the best interests of the children raised by same-sex partners."
More...

Punished for being gay: Tas Libs to make same-sex couples criminals

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 6.4.11

 

Tasmanian gay activists are furious the State Liberals want same-sex surrogacy to remain a crime, despite the decriminalisation of surrogacy for heterosexual married and de facto couples, and singles.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the move will encourage prejudice and deepen stigma against same-sex couples and their children.

"The Tasmanian Liberals are making criminals of gay people for doing what the Liberals are happy for everyone else to do", Mr Croome said.

"This is a profoundly bigoted position which is at odds with the acceptance of same-sex relationships and families in Tasmanian society."

"The move is completely out of line with principles of non-discrimination in Tasmanian relationship law, and surrogacy law in the majority of other states - principles which a majority of the State Liberals have previously supported (see timeline below)."

"The only possible reason for allowing single surrogacy but not same-sex surrogacy is pure and unadulterated, homophobic prejudice."
More...

Same-sex marriage recognition begins in Tasmania

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 1.4.11

 

A new Tasmanian law recognising civil partnerships and same-sex marriages from other places came into effect on April 1st.

An amendment to the Relationships Act, passed in September last year, allows the Tasmanian Government to automatically recognise interstate civil partnerships and overseas civil partnerships and same-sex marriages after each scheme has been through an assessment process.

From April 1st, civil partnerships from Victoria, NSW, the ACT, New Zealand and the UK will be automatically recognised in Tasmania, along with civil partnerships and same-sex marriages from all thirteen Canadian provinces.

Partnerships and marriages from other jurisdictions are currently being assessed.
More...

Protesters brave cold to send pro-equality message

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 30.3.11

 

100 marriage equality supporters braved chilly weather in Hobart this evening to send a pro-equality message to those attending a church meeting against same-sex marriage at the University of Tasmania.

Protesters at the "Vigil for Equality" held up photos and personal stories of same-sex couples who wish to marry, as well as banners declaring LOVE, FAMILY, COMMITMENT = MARRIAGE EQUALITY and IF YOUR MARRIAGE NEEDS SAVING I KNOW A GOOD COUNSELLOR.

About 250 people attended the "Save Marriage" meeting at the University which was convened by the Presbyterian Church and addressed by Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby and Liberal Senator Guy Barnett.
More...

Bartlett law reform agenda welcomed / Childs' bashing highlights need for anti-hate law

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 24.2.11

 

Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed the progressive law reform agenda announced yesterday by new state Attorney-General, David Bartlett, but say it must also include laws against hate crime.

The call follows the bashing in Hobart on Sunday of celebrity musician and X-factor winner, Altiyan Childs, who was taunted by his bashers as a "dirty faggot".

"Mr Bartlett is to be applauded for proposing reform in areas like surrogacy and anti-discrimination, but the Government must also clamp down on hate-crime with tougher criminal penalties."

"Attacks motivated by hatred are too common and too vicious to be dismissed as random loutishness." More...

Gays hold out hope for more 'equal, tolerant and inclusive Tasmania under Premier Giddings

This media release was issued on 24.1.11

 

The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group has welcomed the appointment of Lara Giddings as the State's new premier.

Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said he looks forward to Ms Giddings' continued strong support for human rights in her new role.

"As Attorney-General, Lara Giddings showed her commitment to equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people by championing the legal recognition of same-sex parents, state civil union ceremonies and overseas same-sex marriages", Mr Croome said.
More...

Non-discriminatory surrogacy law welcomed

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 8.12.10

 

Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed the State Government's intention to legally recognise altruistic surrogacy arrangements including those involving same-sex couples.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said surrogacy is an important option for many couples wishing to become parents, including same-sex couples.

"A woman who chooses to give the gift of parenthood to a gay friend or relative should have that choice legally recognised and respected", Mr Croome said.

"It is in the best interests of all children born through altruistic surrogacy, including those raised by same-sex couples, to have the legal security and protection that the Government's proposed legislation will allow."
More...

Tasmania says 'yes' to marriage equality / Poll shows island state leading the nation

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 1.12.10

 

Support in Tasmanian for allowing same-sex couples to marry is higher than the national average, with all regions supporting reform, according to a new national poll released today.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, welcomed the result saying it shows Tasmanians are generally more tolerant and inclusive than other Australians.

"Tasmanians can take pride that we are leading the nation on one of the most important issues of legal equality and social inclusion facing Australia today", Mr Croome said.
More...

Burnie Advocate endorses marriage equality

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 19.11.10

 

The Burnie Advocate has become the second Tasmanian daily newspaper to endorse marriage equality.

Referring to Monday's Roy Morgan poll showing the North-West Coast of Tasmania is no longer one of the nation's most homophobic regions, today's Advocate editorial states,

"It is pleasing to see the North-West Coast is becoming less homophobic...However, more needs to be done. Out attitude towards homosexuals and their right to marry needs to change. There is no logical argument against gay marriage. There are many countries that have been progressive enough to allow it and funnily enough the sky hasn't fallen in. If you think about it, it's really simple. If two people love each other, why should they not be allowed to marry?"
More...

Tas no longer most homophobic state

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 16.11.10

 

Tasmania is no longer Australia's most homophobic state, but gay activists say the island still has a long way to go before discrimination is brought to an end.

According to a national Roy Morgan poll released yesterday, Queensland is now Australia's most homophobic state, replacing Tasmania which scored worst of all the states in a similar poll conducted five years ago. The poll found attitudes have generally improved across the nation.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said attitudes in Tasmania have improved faster than in the other states, but the figures camouflage continued discrimination and abuse against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people.
More...

PREV page NEXT page