Federal anti-discrimination laws needed
The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) recently welcomed the Australian Human Rights Commission’s (AHRC) consultation report into discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, sex and gender identity which found that LGBTI people still experience systemic discrimination in many areas of their lives.
The report has been forwarded to the Australian Government to assist in the process of consolidating and harmonising federal anti-discrimination laws and developing a National Action Plan on Human Rights, a project the federal Attorney-General committed to in April 2010.
This harmonisation process is an opportune time to lobby for the highest and broadest level of protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, sex and/or gender identity.
Since 1945, Australia has signed and ratified international human rights treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees equality before the law and the right to non-discrimination.
At the recent UN Universal Periodic Review of Australia, several countries recommended that to better comply with our international human rights obligations, the Australian Government should introduce specific anti-discrimination laws protecting people against discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
We believe that the new Human Rights Action Plan and legislation should aim to improve the protection and promotion of human rights in Australia consistent with Australia’s international human rights obligations.
The GLRL also believes that one of the most significant deficiencies with existing anti-discrimination legislation is the wide-ranging and discretionary exemptions. While we oppose exemptions generally, we strongly believe that no exemptions should be available to organisations that are publicly funded or provide government services to the community.
The GLRL will conduct further consultations around the need for federal anti-discrimination legislation. Check this space soon for details.
By KELLIE MCDONALD, NSW GLRL
