Red Cross gay blood ban review welcomed / Campaigners warn review must be 'thorough and transparent'
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 12.4.10.
"I believe it's unsafe sex, not gay sex, that poses a risk to the blood supply, and if all potential blood donors - gay and straight - are screened for the safety of their sexual activity the blood supply will be even safer than it is."
- gay blood donation campaigner, Michael Cain
Australia's leading campaigner for gay blood donation, Michael Cain, said he is "very pleased" at reports today the Red Cross will review its ban on gay blood donation, but Mr Cain and his supporters cautioned that the review must be "thorough and transparent".
In today's edition of gay community newspaper, SX News, a Red Cross spokesperson, Nick McGowan, said that the organisation will review its current policy of deferring all men who have sex with other men from blood donation.
The ban was challenged by Mr Cain before the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Tribunal in 2008. The Tribunal ultimately upheld the ban, but also agreed with Mr Cain that some gay men would be low risk donors, and supported a future review.
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Tas gays push for renewed commitment on LGBTI issues
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 9.4.10.
Tasmanian gay rights advocates have welcomed the appointment of a State Labor minority government but warned that they will be seeking rapid progress in a number of areas.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
"The last Labor Government took some important steps forward, but there is still much to be done before LGBTI Tasmanians are treated equally and without prejudice, so we will not allow the Government to rest on its laurels."
"Labor is committed to improvements in LGBTI-related legislation, policy, consultation and services, and we will be holding it to all these commitments."
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Tas election result inspires hope for "rapid progress" / Community action "stopped hate"
This LGBT media release was issued by the TGLRG on 22.3.10.
Tasmanian gay activists say the Tasmanian election result holds out hope for rapid progress on LGBTI-related law reform, education and health issues.
Saturday's Tasmanian election gave no one party a majority of seats, leaving the Greens with the balance of power.
"The fact that all three parties made stronger LGBTI election commitments than ever before, the fact that many of these commitments overlap, plus the fact the Greens, who have a very detailed LGBTI policy, now have the balance of power, creates the potential for rapid and dramatic change across a wide range of areas", Mr Croome said.
"These areas include reform of the Anti-Discrimination, Relationships and Adoption Act, and better funding for school anti-homophobia programs and LGBTI support services."
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Couple gives thumbs up to official relationships ceremonies
The following media release was issued by the TGLRG on 16.3.10.
One of the first couples to have an officially-recognised Tasmanian relationship ceremony has gone public on what having a ceremony means for them.
Isha Cavan and Sonja Plitt entered a Tasmanian Deed of Relationship (a form of civil union) on Saturday in an official ceremony before family and friends, conducted by registered marriage celebrant, Terese Tanner, at Isha and Sonja's home near the Tasmanian fishing village of Orford.
According to Isha their ceremony was an important way to foster a sense of "belonging".
"It's important for us to be part of the community we live in, and to publicly acknowledge our relationship so people can support it and rejoice in it. Ceremonies also help give children a sense of belonging, something we feel is important for our son."
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Parties give commitment to tackle anti-gay discrimination / Election forums canvass wide range of issues
This media statement was issued by the TGLRG on 5.3.10.
Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed a commitment from each of the state's three parties to work with the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) community to reduce levels of discrimination and violence.
The commitments were given in response to the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group's election survey which canvassed all three parties on a variety of issues including how they intend to tackle on-going discrimination and abuse against GLBTI people.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
"According to a survey by the Australia Institute, Tasmania remains Australia's most homophobic state despite our progressive laws, and many Tasmanians want to know what the three parties intend to do to change this", Mr Croome said.
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NSW relationship register must follow lead of other states by including ceremonies and non-conjugal partners
This media statement was issued by the TGLRG on 23.2.10.
Tasmanian gay rights advocates have welcomed a decision by the NSW Government to introduce a relationship register but have warned it must include official ceremonies and non-conjugal relationships if it is to be consistent with existing civil partnership schemes in Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that official ceremonies provide couples with the public affirmation they otherwise lack.
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Tassie faces Mardi Gras ban
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 12.2.10.
A publication by an Australian gay rights advocate has been banned by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, prompting criticism that the Mardi Gras is favouring corporate interests over community values.
The Mardi Gras Association has banned the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Visitors' Guide by Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, along with all stalls and materials promoting Tasmania, from this year's Fair Day, as part of a sponsorship deal with Events NSW.
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Napier praised for gay rights record
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 9.2.10.
Tasmanian gay activists have praised Tasmanian Liberal MP, Sue Napier, following news she will retire from State Parliament due to illness.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
"On issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, particularly the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the 1997, Sue Napier was a voice for compassion and common sense within the Liberal Party."
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New environmental party slammed over anti-gay marriage stance
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 17.1.10
"Legal inequality and discrimination are neither ethical nor sustainable."
- Rodney Croome
Gay activists have dismissed claims by the public officer of the new, Tasmanian, pro-environment Ethics and Sustainability Party, Kathleen Petrovsky, that same-sex marriage is "radical" and "trendy", and they want a meeting with Dr Petrovsky to discuss the issue.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that same-sex marriage has widespread public support.
"According to opinion polls, same-sex marriage has the support of 60% of Australians, not to mention support from Tasmanian Labor Party state conference and numerous large Australian corporations and unions - it is anything but "radical", Mr Croome said.
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Tasmanian in second place on world list of emerging gay travel destinations
This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 20.11.09.
Tasmania has claimed second spot in a list of the world's top ten emerging gay travel destinations.
The list, compiled by Hotel Travel Club, showcases those cities and regions which have not traditionally been associated with gay travel.
Other destinations include Nova Scotia, Lisbon, Nashville and Mexico City. No other Australian destination makes the list.
The site says of Tasmania,
"Over the past few years, locals have put aside their conservative views and have welcomed lesbian and gay residents and travelers alike. The island offers a GLBT tourist guide and a number of incredible tourist sites."
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