EMBARGOED UNTIL 7am Thursday April 17th, 2025
Media Release
Wednesday April 16th 2025
PLEDGE AGAINST ANTI-TRANS ELECTION HATE TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW
What: Signing of pledge against anti-trans hate in the election
When: 10am, Thursday April 17th
Where: Tasmanian Parliament Lawns
Who: Greens’ Senator Nick McKim, Clark Labor candidate Heidi Heck, Franklin Greens candidate, Owen Fitzgerald, Clark MP Andrew Wilkie (Labor Senator, Carol Brown and Bass MP, Bridget Archer, have already signed), Ash Russell and Jenni Osei-Mensah from Equality Tasmania
Prominent party members and leading independents will sign a pledge against anti-trans election hate at 10am tomorrow (April 17th) on Parliament Lawns in Hobart.
The pledge (photo attached) is designed to stave off the kind of anti-trans campaigning that dominated the US Presidential election last year.
Equality Tasmania President, Dr Ash Russell, said,
“Our elections should be free from hatred, including against trans and gender diverse people.”
“That’s why Equality Tasmania has asked the parties and independents contesting the 2025 federal election to sign a pledge against inciting hatred against trans and gender diverse people, and in support of our dignity and equality.”
“Hatred of transgender people was prominent during the 2024 US Presidential election and we don’t want to see that kind of hatred mar Australian elections as well.”
“Trans and gender diverse people already face very high levels of stigma and discrimination, so instead of attacking us politicians should be looking for ways to include and affirm us.”
“We are pleased that representatives of Green, Labor and Liberal parties, as well as prominent independents, have agreed to sign the pledge, and we welcome any other other candidates who wish to sign on.”
Equality Tasmania asks candidates to sign pledges against anti-LGBTIQA+ hate at every state and federal election.
The Group also holds candidate forums. This election, the forum will be at online at 7pm on Monday April 21st.
Dr Russell said important issues for Tasmania's LGBTIQA+ community this election include
- Protection of Tasmania’s landmark discrimination and gender recognition laws from federal override
- A national ban on discrimination in faith-based schools and services
- A national LGBTIQA+ mental health strategy
- Medicare coverage for gender affirmation surgery
- The appointment of a national LGBTIQA+ human rights commissioner
A photo of the pledge is attached.
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
For more information contact Dr Ash Russell on 0447 378 689 or Jenni Osei-Mensah on 0426 400 351.
