Equality bulletin #57

This Equality bulletin was issued by the TGLRG on 2.5.06.

Hi Everyone,

In this Equality Bulletin there are details of a national inquiry into same-sex couple entitlements, a NSW Government inquiry into adoption law reform, a NSW consultation on relationship law reform, and two up-coming talks by a national researcher on LGBTI issues in Hobart and Launceston.

Rodney Croome.
2.5.06
0409 010 668

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National same-sex relationships inquiry
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The Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is conducting a national inquiry into laws which discriminate against same-sex couples, particularly in areas like personal finances and workplace entitlements.

The Commission wants submissions from anyone who has experienced this kind of discrimination and disadvantage. It is particularly keen to hear personal stories.

The deadline for written submissions is June 2nd. Verbal submissions will be taken at subsequent hearings in the state and territory capitals.

For further information about the inquiry go to
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/samesex/index.html

For more information about the kind of discrimination and disadvantage faced by partners in same-sex relationships visit the Australian Coalition for Equality website at http://www.coalitionforequality.org.au/ and check out on "Issues of inequality"

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NSW adoption inquiry
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The NSW Government has announced an inquiry into that State’s Adoption Act.

This provides an opportunity for same-sex couples and their families to highlight continued discrimination in this area.

The deadline for submissions is May 31st.

For the inquiry discussion paper go to www.community.nsw.gov.au/documents/adoption_act_review.pdf

For background information from the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby visit
www.glrl.org.au/issues/nsw_adoption_enquiry.htm

The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, also has background information at www.clovermoore.com/issues/g+l/adoption

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NSW relationship recognition consultation
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The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby is conducting a community consultation on how LGBT people prefer to have their relationships given equal legal protection and status.

For background on the options and the process go to http://www.glrl.org.au/issues/Towards%20Same-Sex%20Relationship%20Recognition%20Discussion%20Paper.pdf

For information about consultations e-mail the NSW GLRL on glrl@glrl.org.au

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Writing themselves in
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Prominent social researcher and renowned public speaker, Dr Lynne Hiller, will speak in Hobart and Launceston over the next two days.

Hillier will present the findings of "Writing themselves in: 6 years on", the second national study on the sexuality, health and well-being of same-sex attracted young people.

~ Hobart

When: 7-9pm Wednesday 3 May 2006

Where: Room 209, Social Science Building, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay (enter from Churchill Avenue, follow the signs). Light refreshments will be served.

More information: Contact Dr Barbara Baird, UTAS, 6226 1703, Barbara.Baird@ utas.edu.au.

~ Launceston

When: 12.30-2.30 pm Thursday 4 May 2006

Where: Launceston Convention Centre, Corner Canal and Charles St, Launceston (Opposite Harvey Norman carpark)

More information: Contact Baden or Susan, Working It Out, 6231 1200, info@workingitout.org.au

The free talks are organised by Tasmanian LGBTI support organisation, Working It Out, and the Gender Studies Program at the University of Tasmania