ADVOCATES CALL ON TAS PREMIER TO RULE OUT GENDER LAW REPEAL
DISAPPOINTMENT OVER LIBERAL CONFERENCE MOTION
LGBTIQ equality advocates are disappointed the Liberal Party state conference has supported a motion calling for the repeal of the state's groundbreaking gender laws and have called on the Premier to affirm the laws will stay.
Equality Tasmanian spokesperson, Charlie Burton, said,
"Our gender laws have brought equity and inclusion to many trans and gender diverse Tasmanians without any of the adverse consequences sceptics predicted."
"They have also been endorsed by the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute after an extensive inquiry and consultation."
"If the Attorney-General, Elise Archer, has received any alternative advice she should release it publicly so it can be properly scrutinised."
"We call on Premier Peter Gutwein to rule out any repeal or watering down of our ground-breaking gender laws."
"It's time for Liberal Party to join the rest of Tasmania in upholding the values of inclusion and equality for all."
The successful motion, from the Lower Sandy Bay branch, was passed by state conference delegates but is not binding.
According to reports, a representative from the Lower Sandy Bay branch said “empathy does not make good policy” while the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Sue Hickey, strongly defended the laws.
Dr Burton said, "Equality Tasmania believes evidence makes the best policy, and the TLRI showed that evidence overwhelmingly supports our current laws."
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
For more information contact Charlie Burton on 0402 016 625.
