1st December 2022 - Report recommends WA bring in laws against conversion therapy
A report into the activities at Perth’s religious based facility Esther House has highlighted Western Australia’s lack of legislation specifically outlawing conversion practices and suppression practices that aim to change a person’s sexuality or gender. Read more...
1st December 2022 - AFAO: Australia charts a path to zero on World AIDS Day
The Federal Government’s confirmation of a specialist taskforce to drive the end of HIV transmission in Australia, along with increased funding to UNAIDS, have been strongly welcomed by AFAO, as we mark World AIDS Day 2022. Read more...
1st December 2022 - On World AIDS Day, Biden administration releases new global strategy to end HIV/AIDS by 2030
On World AIDS Day, the Biden administration renewed its focus on ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, releasing a new five-year strategy for the United States’ global response. Read more...
1st December 2022 - Bullying of LGBTQ students on the rise this year according to high school principals
There has been a marked increase in parents demanding limits to LGBTQ+ students' rights that may have spilled over to bullying in schools. Read more...
1st December 2022 - Japan court upholds ban on same-sex marriage but voices concern over rights
The Tokyo district court said a lack of legal protection for same-sex families violated their human rights, a comment plaintiffs welcomed as a partial victory for LGBTQ couples. Read more...
1st December 2022 - More Than 1 Million Same-Sex Couples Live in the U.S., Census Says
The number of same-sex couple households documented by the U.S. Census Bureau exceeded 1 million for the first time in 2021, according to Census data released in late November. Read more...
1st December 2022 - Canada’s federal health minister understands the problems with HIV funding, but is vague about solutions
Jean-Yves Duclos addresses concerns raised by community groups. Read more...
30th November 2022 - Queensland government to introduce long-awaited trans reform bill
The Queensland government will this week introduce long-awaited legislation allowing transgender and gender diverse people to update their sex on their birth certificates without undergoing gender affirming surgery. Read more...
30th November 2022 - US Senate passes bill protecting same-sex marriage
House must now pass legislation as Democrats hurry to get it Biden to sign into law before Republicans take over the chamber. Read more...
29th November 2022 - Singapore parliament decriminalizes gay sex
Parliament scrapped a rarely enforced colonial-era law criminalizing sex between men. However, it introduced a constitutional amendment that stands in the way of marriage equality. Read more...
29th November 2022 - Netanyahu strikes Israeli coalition deal with far-right homophobic leader
Ex-PM poised to form one of most hardline religious and nationalist governments in country’s history Read more...
29th November 2022 - Lifetime Achievement Award for community stalwart Bill Rutkin
Congrats to one of our committee members Bill Rutkin. Read more...
28th November 2022 - GREENS’ GABRIELLE DE VIETRI IS VICTORIA’S NEWEST OUT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Greens’ Gabrielle De Vietri has become the first out queer woman to be elected to the lower house of Victoria’s Parliament. Read more...
28th November 2022 - NBL star discusses the responsibilities of coming out in sports
Melbourne United star Isaac Humphries speaks about the responsibility to be a role model for people after coming out as gay. See more...
27th November 2022 - Liberal pollster: we’ll keep drinking the Kool-Aid
...if the Libs don’t start reading the room, the Greens will overtake them as one of the two natural parties of government. They’ll then be reduced to a rump playing second fiddle to a newly dominant Nationals coalition partner. Read more...
27th November 2022 - SOCCEROOS FAN DENIED ENTRANCE AFTER SECURITY FOUND A RAINBOW FLAG IN BAG
In another show of Qatar cracking down on any support of the LGBTQ+ community, an Australian fan was denied entry into the main World Cup ticketing centre after a bag inspection by security found a rainbow version of the Australian flag. Read more...
27th November 2022 - How the American anti-LGBTQ hate machine is posing a threat to Canadians
In wake of Colorado nightclub shooting, ex-intelligence official warns of spillover effects of U.S. politics. Read more...
27th November 2022 - Qatar: step right up for the greatest shitshow on earth
The greatest shitshow on earth continues in Qatar where security and police continue to harass soccer fans wearing suspicious multi-coloured apparel. On Saturday, security threatened to call police unless Bengt Kunkel and another German fan threw their rainbow armbands in a bin. Read more...
27th November 2022 - Daniel Andrews wins a third term in Victorian state election
The re-election of the Andrews government has been welcomed by LGBTIQA+ rights organisation Just Equal. Read more...
26th November 2022 - Court sequel to 2020 Drag Queen Storytime Tragedy
Monday will see a sequel to the 2020 Drag Queen Storytime tragedy. Lyle Shelton will appear at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal consequent to comments he posted about performers at the event. Read more...
QNEWS
26th November 2022 - Watch: The Rosa Bonheur Case Part 2: Lesbian erasure
Part 2 of Carole Cassier and Anna Polonyi’s wonderful documentary web series on the 19th-century superstar of French art, Rosa Bonheur, is now available to watch. In the second episode, Carole and Anna examine lesbian erasure. Read more...
26th November 2022 - Call for LGBTIQA+ Commissioner on Human Rights Commission
Until 2018, Labor Party policy called for the appointment of a dedicated LGBTIQA+ Commissioner to the Australian Human Rights Commission. But it appears, in the face of unrelenting right-wing demonisation of the LGBTIQA+ communities, Labor’s feet became a little chilly in the years since. Read more...
25th November 2022 - Russian parliament moves to widen prohibition against 'LGBT propaganda' to include adults
Russia's lower house of parliament has given its final approval to a bill that significantly increases restrictions on activities seen as promoting gay rights in the country, another step in a years-long crackdown on the nation's embattled LGBT community. Read more...
25th November 2022 - Scott Morrison at speech from controversial author Jordan Peterson, who has angered LGBTIQ+ advocates
Contentious psychologist Jordan Peterson spoke at Parliament this week with Scott Morrison in attendance. Dr Peterson has angered the trans community over his long-standing objection to preferred pronouns for gender-diverse people.
Just.Equal's committee member Sally Goldner said, "pronouns are important because they are a sign of respect and she is worried about his take on their use". Read more...
25th November 2022 - LESBIANS SEEN AS FAIR GAME AS REVEALED IN GAY HATE INQUIRY
An inquiry into unsolved LGBTQ+ deaths has revealed that lesbians were seen as “fair game” if they weren’t in the company of men, with violence being sparked when sexual advances were turned down. Read more...
25th November 2022 - ‘An explosion’: what is behind the rise in girls questioning their gender identity?
As the NHS reviews gender referrals, parents, clinicians and young people reveal the social, medical and emotional challenges they face. Read more...
25th November 2022 - Trans people face ‘unparalleled’ violence, hate crime inquiry hears
The New South Wales’ LGBTIQ hate crime inquiry has heard violence against transgender and gender diverse people is not a “historical phenemonon” and the risk is in some ways “greater than ever before”. Read more...
25th November 2022 - Gay Not Queer
Gay identities are based on biological sex; gender identities erase biological sex and replace it with gender. Read more...
25th November 2022 - What happened to the first generation of children from out gay & lesbian homes?
Between 1979–1983 Joe Gantz interviewed kids who were raised by same-sex couples. 40 years later, he interviewed them again. Read more...
25th November 2022 - Days after deadly shooting at LGBTQ club, Twitter bans group that protects LGBTQ events
Last Saturday's mass shooting at Club Q, an LBGTQ-friendly bar in Colorado Springs, Colorado, came as a shock, but not a surprise, to people who monitor extremism. Meanwhile, Twitter – days after restoring extremists to its pages – banned the account of an anti-fascist pro-gun collective that has been protecting similar LGBTQ events from those who mean them harm. Read more...
25th November 2022 - The GOP presidential primary promises to be the most anti-LGBTQ ever
More than a year ahead of any actual primary, the field of presidential wannabes is already filling up, and every one of them promises to be even more anti-LGBTQ than in previous election cycles. Read more...
25th November 2022 - Qatar World Cup U-turns on rainbow ban after ‘urgent talks’ with FIFA
Qatar has stated that Pride colours will “not be prohibited” after reports that football fans wearing rainbow clothing were being turned away from World Cup stadiums. Read more...
24th November 2022 - Katherine Deves: Andrews should be voted out over Pride Centre funding
Former Liberal candidate Katherine Deves says Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews should be voted out, listing the funding of Victoria’s landmark Pride Centre as a reason his government needs to be removed from power. Read more...
24th November 2022 - NORTHERN TERRITORY PASSES SWEEPING ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW TO BAN DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LGBT PERSONS
The Northern Territory Parliament passed new anti-discrimination legislation early Wednesday morning, making it the first major reform of the legislation in 30 years. Read more...
24th November 2022 - The dangers faced by LGBTQ people in the Middle East
With the 2022 World Cup being held in Qatar, much attention has been placed on the country's strict laws regarding the LGBTQ community. However, Qatar is just one of a number of nations in the Middle East where LGBTQ people face significant hurdles and marginalization of their rights. Here's everything you need to know: Read more...
24th November 2022 - German Players Covered Their Mouths Before A World Cup Game After Not Being Allowed To Support LGBTQ People
Ahead of their game against Japan at the World Cup in Qatar on Wednesday, players from Team Germany assembled on the pitch and covered their mouths in an act of protest. Read more...
23rd November 2022 - AUSTRALIA’S MARRIAGE EQUALITY VOTE: COMPROMISING WITH PREJUDICE WAS NOT NECESSARY TO WIN MARRIAGE
For five years we have been told that the 2017 marriage postal survey and subsequent legislation allowing LGBTIQA+ marriages was an entirely inspiring story of equality winning against the odds. But there is another tale behind that facade, one of cowardice, compromise and co-option. Read more...
23rd November 2022 - On This Gay Day: Australia allowed gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military
In 1992 Australia allows gay and lesbian people to serve openly in the military. Read more...
23rd November 2022 - ‘How dare you’: Penny slams Pauline Hanson’s ‘dangerous’ bill
Queensland Greens senator Penny Allman-Payne shut down Pauline Hanson’s push to get an education bill which targets education surrounding the diversity of gender and sexuality. Read more...
23rd November 2022 - ‘We couldn’t rely on police’: The meeting that spurred action on homophobic attacks
It was more than 30 years ago but the events were “crystal clear in my mind”, recalled Gary Cox. Read more...
23rd November 2022 - CITY OF SYDNEY IS UPDATING PUBLIC FORMS TO BETTER REFLECT GENDER DIVERSITIES
The City of Sydney, in an effort to be more inclusive, will be updating all public forms to “represent and reflect” the gender diversities in the community. Read more...
22nd November 2022 - DV inquiry report calls for LGBTIQ+ reform in Queensland Police
A scathing report from the inquiry into Queensland Police Service’s handling of domestic and family violence has made recommendations to benefit LGBTIQ victim-survivors. Read more...
21st November 2022 - German bishops at stalemate with Vatican over women, homosexuality
The president of the German Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing, said he will not deny blessings for same-sex couples. Read more...
22nd November 2022 - The Well of Loneliness: The book that could corrupt a nation
While its literary value has been questioned, and many of its values now appear outdated, Radclyffe Hall's The Well of Loneliness still holds a place as a beacon for sexual self-discovery, writes Hephzibah Anderson in BBC Culture's Banned Books series. Read more...
21st November 2022 - Gay U.S. ambassador to Hungary is leading by “power of example”
The traditional role of ambassador to a foreign nation is to observe, report, and relay their government’s sentiments to the host nation. In the case the Biden administration’s appointment of David Pressman to Hungary, it’s more like dropping a wasp into a hornet’s nest. Read more...
21st November 2022 - Tense stand-off between FIFA and World Cup team captains in Qatar over unauthorised 'One Love' armbands
European team captains will not wear anti-discrimination armbands in World Cup games in Qatar after threats from FIFA to show yellow cards to the players. Read more...
21st November 2022 - Gunman kills 5 at LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs before patrons confront and stop him, police say
Just.Equal Australia is appalled by the attack on patrons of the Q Club in Colorado. We stand with the loved ones of those killed and injured and the communities of which they are a part. We condemn hate and gun violence. We note the massacre took place on the weekend of Transgender Day of Remembrance, a time when trans and gender diverse people are already remembering those we have lost. This atrocious event highlights why we must do all we can to end hate and violence.
21st November 2022 - Two bartenders among five dead in Colorado gay club shooting
Grief-stricken friends have paid tribute to bartenders Derrick Rump and Daniel Aston, who are among the five dead in a mass shooting at gay nightclub Club Q in Colorado Springs. Read more...
21st November 2022 - BAR PATRONS HEROICALLY FOUGHT LONE SHOOTER AT COLORADO SPRINGS GAY NIGHTCLUB
Two bar patrons heroically confronted and subdued the lone shooter who targeted Club Q, a gay nightclub in the US city of Colorado Springs, on Saturday, November 19, 2022, police said. Read more...
21st November 2022 - ‘When hateful propaganda goes unchecked’: Mass shooting in LGBTQ nightclub in US
Yet another tragic shooting has claimed the lives of innocent people in the U.S over the weekend, after a 22-year-old gunman opened fire inside an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and injuring 25. Read more...
20th November 2022 - Police identify offender in Colorado nightclub shooting
Colorado Springs Police have identified the man arrested at the scene of a mass shooting at Club Q as 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich. Read more...
19th November 2022 - The Don’t Say Gay law is instilling fear in Florida kids and classrooms
Across Florida this new school year, rainbows, safe space stickers and books with LGBTQ themes and history are being replaced in classrooms out of fear. Read more...
19th November 2022 - FIFA boss branded 'numpty' for comparing his ginger hair to being gay in Qatar
Gianni Infantino compared his childhood bullying due to his ginger hair to the suffering of migrant workers and the LGBT+ community in a country where homosexuality is illegal during a bizarre rant. Read more...
19th November 2022 - Grow up, Senator! Kids reading about a girl in pants is not grooming - Courtney Act
Last Sunday I emerged from a blissful 10-day silent meditation retreat to learn I’d been brought up in a Senate estimates hearing. Liberal Senator Alex Antic held up an image of me reading a children’s book on ABC Kids’ Play School Story Time. He asked David Anderson, the ABC managing director: “Why is the ABC grooming children with this sort of adult content?” Read more...
19th November 2022 - Ultra-conservative Liberal candidate won’t sit in party room if elected: Guy
Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy says Liberal candidate Renee Heath – a lifelong member of an ultra-conservative church opposed to gay, transgender and reproductive rights – will not sit in the Liberal party room if she is elected on November 26. Read more...
18th November 2022 - RUSSIAN SOLDIERS CARRIED OUT ANTI-GAY ATTACKS IN UKRAINE: REPORT
Russian soldiers have been accused of committing targeted anti-gay attacks against Ukrainians. Attacks have involved acts of violence including rape, imprisonment, assault, theft, and attempted murder. Read more...
18th November 2022 - Nicola Sturgeon calls for LGBTQ+ solidarity during Qatar World Cup: ‘Stand up for dignity’
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for people “to stand in solidarity with the LGBT+ community” during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Read more...
November 18th 2022 - COUNCILLOR JADE DARKO MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST TRANS WOMAN ELECTED TO PUBLIC OFFICE IN TASMANIA
Tasmania has just elected its first trans person to public office. Jade Darko was recently elected to the Clarence City Council becoming the first transgender woman elected to public office in the state. Darko is currently the only out trans person occupying public office in Australia. Read more...
November 18th 2022- NSW COURT QUASHES MAN’S CONVICTION IN 1988 DEATH OF GAY AMERICAN MATHEMATICAN SCOTT JOHSNON
A NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Friday set aside the conviction of Scott White (51), who was jailed in May 2022 after pleading guilty to the 1988 murder of gay American mathematician Scott Johnson. Read more...
17th November 2022 - Creator of Transgender Flag: 'I Fear for Our Youth'
Transgender Awareness Month marks a time to celebrate the history and perseverance of trans and gender-nonconforming people and uplift our voices and experiences. But we face increasing legislative attacks against our health care, history, and existence. As the creator of the Transgender Pride Flag, I fear where I may safely fly our flag. Read more...
17th November 2022 - Republicans just won the House of Representatives. Here’s what it means for LGBTQ+ rights
After the Republicans won a majority in the US House of Representatives, advancing LGBTQ+ rights through law possibly just got harder. Read more...
17th November 2022 - I tried to stop my son from being gay. Here’s what I wish I had known
As a Christian, I thought I was doing the right thing. Years after losing my son, I’m sharing my story so other well-meaning parents don’t end up like me. Read more...
17th November 2022 - Sydney may be hosting WorldPride but the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act is a source of shame
The first place in Australia to ban discrimination on the basis of homosexuality now has the worst LGBTQ+ legal protections. Read more...
17th November 2022 - Mormon church voices support for Senate bill to protect gay marriage
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has voiced support for a Senate bill which would protect same-sex marriage, saying LGBTQ+ individuals are entitled to rights even while affirming its belief that same-sex relationships are a sin. Read more...
16th November 2022 - Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is going to appear on ‘Drag Race’
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is about to make history, he’ll be the first world leader to appear on an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Read more...
16th November 2022 - Most Americans Say Gay Marriage Is Good for Society
Majority of Americans express positive views of same-sex nuptials, though stark divides persist based on religious and political affiliation. Read more...
16th November 2022 - LGBTQ+ activists are ‘battle-ready’ for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid
The prospect of another Donald Trump presidency would pose a “serious risk” to LGBTQ+ rights, but queer advocates say they’re “battle-ready”. Read more...
16th November 2022 - Gay Qataris physically abused then recruited as agents, campaigner says
Gay Qataris have been promised safety from physical torture in exchange for helping the authorities to track down other LGBTQ+ people in the country, a prominent Qatari doctor and gay rights campaigner has told the Guardian. Read more...
16th November 2022 - Donald Trump announces 2024 presidential bid with unhinged transphobic speech
Donald Trump – the most anti-LGBTQ+ President in modern history – has announced he will be making a new bid for the White House in 2024, and immediately attacked trans women in sport. Read more...
15th November 2022 - GP promotes the ‘ABC of transgender care’
Dr Clara Tuck Meng Soo is seeking to highlight the value of supportive and non-judgmental care to help mark Transgender Awareness Week. Read more...
15th November 2022 - Around 76% of LGBTQ+ students don't feel safe at school
Teenagers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer do not feel safe in Irish schools and many are skipping school in order to avoid negative treatment. Read more...
15th November 2022 - Senator Dean Smith asks if the pain of the postal survey was necessary
On the fifth anniversary of the results of the Marriage Postal Survey results being announced, Liberal senator Dean Smith has questioned if the process used to bring marriage equality to Australia was a good choice. Read more...
15th November 2022 - Menace, brinkmanship, joy: how marriage equality made it through Australia’s parliament
Five years ago the results of the marriage equality postal survey were announced in a joyous turning point for those who had campaigned for Australia to recognise that all loving relationships should be treated equally by our laws.
Within a month the Australian parliament had done what it always should have been prepared to do and backed Senator Dean Smith’s private member’s bill to legalise same-sex marriages. Read more...
15th November 2022 - Thorpe questions transgender swimming ban
Australia's most successful male Olympian Ian Thorpe has hit back at a decision by international swimming's governing body FINA to ban transgender athletes from competing in women's events. Read more...
15th November 2022 - Germany sends Qatar a message with Lufthansa ‘diversity plane’ to World Cup
Lufthansa is making a statement by flying the German football team plane to the Qatar World Cup in a “diversity plane”. Read more...
15th November 2022 - US use rainbow logo at Qatar World Cup in support of LGBTQ community
The US men’s team are showing their support for the LGBTQ community by way of a rainbow-themed logo at their training facility in Qatar as they prepare for this month’s World Cup. Read more...
14th November 2022 - SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S ONE NATION MLC COMPLAINS ABOUT SCHOOLS TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT GAY MARRIAGES
South Australian One Nation MLC Sarah Game has complained that her daughter’s school was teaching children about gay marriages. Read more...
14th November 2022 - Scott Bagnell from Masterchef is ready to cook up a feast for PrideFEST
Queenslander Scott Bagnell leapt into Australian lounge rooms when he appeared on the 2021 edition of the popular TV show MasterChef. Soon he’ll be appearing at Perth’s PrideFEST where he’s going to be providing a cooking demonstration and making a superb meal too. Read more...
13th November 2022 - Call for LGBT veterans to share their stories with review
A former military fireman is urging LGBT veterans to take part in a review of the impact of a historical ban on homosexuality in the armed forces. Read more...
13th November 2022 - Transgender Awareness Week
Observed November 13 to November 19, is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), which memorializes victims of transphobic violence. TDoR occurs annually on November 20, when transgender advocates raise awareness of the transgender community through education and advocacy activities. Read more...
13th November 2022 - Manda Hatter and Mon Schafter take Pride in making the ABC a safe and welcoming place for all
Before she came to work at the ABC, Manda Hatter says she and her colleagues in commercial TV would often jokingly call the national broadcaster the "GayBC".
This was because it seemed from the outside that the ABC was a welcoming workplace for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
"When I got here, I realised that what was far from the truth," Manda says. Read more...
13th November 2022 - Police ‘decency checks’ at Mardi Gras parade under scrutiny
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is facing pressure to stop police officers from conducting “decency checks” on parade participants, amid a row over policing of the event. Read more...
11th November 2022 - Targeted campaign against conversion therapy ban as Tasmania looks to outlaw practice
A targeted campaign is being run in Tasmania against plans to ban conversion therapy, including a Liberal MP hosting an upcoming event in Parliament House questioning the move. Read more...
10th November 2022 - Five years after marriage equality comes divorce equality – or at least the start
Five years after the legalisation of same-sex marriage, gay couples are encountering the flipside of marriage equality: divorce, although not yet in equal measure. Read more...
10th November 2022 - California Installs First Lesbian Supreme Court Justice
Two days after voters approved Patricia Guerrero to become California’s first Latina Supreme Court chief justice in January, a state panel has approved Kelli Evans to be the high court’s first openly lesbian justice. Read more...
11th November 2022 - RAINBOW WAVE AT US MIDTERM ELECTIONS 2022: LGBT CANDIDATES MAKE HISTORY
According to NBC News, a record 678 LGBTQ candidates were on the ballot, with more than 340 winning their elections so far. It was also the first time in US history that an LGBTQ candidate was on the ballot in all 50 states. Read more...
11th November 2022 - Swiss FA stands up to Qatar’s horrendous LGBTQ+ laws in World Cup video
The Swiss FA has included a clip of a gay couple holding hands in a video announcing its squad ahead of the Qatar World Cup, seemingly in defiance of the country’s horrendous anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Read more...
11th November 2022 - 1946: mistranslation birthed modern Christian homophobia
Not only did the word homosexual first appear in the Bible in 1946. It happened in error, and the committee responsible knew of their error. Read more...
11th November 2022- Black Panther 2 Will Likely Be Banned in China Due to Lesbian Relationship
Chinese censors are rumoured to be in the process of banning screenings of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, likely because of the movie’s brief depiction of a gay relationship. Read more...
10th November 2022 - MAURA HEALEY IS FIRST OUT LESBIAN WOMAN TO BE ELECTED GOVERNOR IN UNITED STATES
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey made history on Wednesday as the state’s first woman governor and the country’s first out lesbian governor. Read more...
10th November 2022 - ADVOCATES WELCOME LABOR COMMITMENT TO WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH SEX VARIATIONS
Just.Equal Australia and Intersex Human Rights Australia have welcomed the federal Labor Government’s commitment to better discrimination protection for people with sex variations. Read more...
JUST.EQUAL AND INTERSEX HUMAN RIGHTS AUSTRALIA
9th November 2022 - History Made: More LGBTQ+ People Elected to Congress Than Ever Before
Washington, DC – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — hailed the victory of at least 10 pro-equality, openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives Equality Caucus, a record. Read more...
8th November 2022 - Bishop rebels against Anglican church by coming out in support of marriage equality
The Church of England, also known as the Anglican Communion, forbids its ministers from performing or blessing same-sex marriages. In 1998, the church reaffirmed its commitment to Biblical teachings rejecting “homosexual practice as incompatible with scripture” and upheld “faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union.” Read more...
8th November 2022 - [email protected] bill passes House of Representatives
The federal government has introduced new legislation to parliament that will make employers responsible for preventing sexual harassment in their workplace. Read more...
7th November 2022 - Religious right roadmap to Liberal Party control revealed as internal ructions over church groups increase
A roadmap outlining how the religious right can "infiltrate" the Liberal Party with "Good Godly" candidates has been linked to a controversial former Liberal candidate and current member of the party's state assembly in Victoria. Read more...7th November 2022 - How a GOP Congress Could Roll Back Freedoms Nationwide
USA - The rights reversal taking place in conservative states is just the beginning. Read more...
7th November 2022 - AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES INQUIRY INTO ANTI-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS FOR LGBT STUDENTS IN RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
Australia has launched a historic inquiry into its anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQI students and staff in faith-based schools. Read more...
6th November 2022 - ACL welcome Dutton’s promise to “fight radical gender theory”
The Australian Christian Lobby has welcomed Liber leader Peter Dutton’s promise to reform Australia’s education system and remove “radical gender theory” from schools. Read more...
6th November 2022 - Gerald Bostock finally handed settlement after SCOTUS win that changed LGBTQ+ rights forever
Gerald Bostock, who helped secure employment protections for queer people across America in a landmark Supreme Court case, has finally received his settlement. Read more...
6th November 2022 - Forum on ending conversion therapy practices to be held in Hobart
A forum on ending the harmful practice of LGBTIQA+ conversion, suppression and change practices will be held at Tasmania’s parliament later this week. Read more...
6th November 2022 - Australian Jewish group is concerned about homophobia in new Israeli government
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry have congratulated incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his election win but have also voiced concern about homophobic elements within the coalition he may lead. Read more...
5th November 2022 - Happy Birthday to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
Wishing the happiest of birthdays to the Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, born November 5, 1968. Read more...
5th November 2022 - The Toxic Lesbian Conductor at the Heart of Tár Could Be Cate Blanchett’s Best Role Yet
Few things unite queer filmgoers quite like our love of Cate Blanchett. The Carol star’s captivating onscreen presence borders on bewitching, especially when she’s bringing complex lesbian characters to life. But her performance in Todd Field’s Tár may be her most mesmerizing to date — and one of her most complex. Read more...
4th November 2022- THE END OF AN ERA: WHY WE NEED TO DIVORCE OURSELVES FROM PRIDE
As much as Pride has lost its meaning as an event, it’s always so cool to see queer people as expressive as they are when they’re afforded safe public spaces. Read more...
4th November 2022 - SOUTH AUSTRALIA APPOINTS LGBT ADVISORY COUNCIL AHEAD OF ADELAIDE PRIDE 2022
Premier Peter Malinauskas-led Labor government on Thursday set up South Australia’s LGBTQI Advisory Council ahead of Adelaide Pride. The council to be headed by Minister for Human Services Nat Cook will directly engage with the community on its issues. Read more...
4th November 2022 - VICTORIAN LIBERAL MP GIVES PERSONAL ‘IRON-CLAD’ GUARANTEE TO PROTECT LGBT COMMUNITY FROM DISCRIMINATION
Deputy Liberal leader David Southwick has given a personal “iron-clad guarantee” that the LGBTQI community would be protected from discrimination when a future Coalition government makes changes to theVictoria’s newly-enacted Equal Opportunity laws. Read more...
4th November 2022 - ‘Like a second coming out’: Izzy Hodgson on being a queer footballer
Adelaide United’s team captain Izzy Hodgson discusses the important legacy of queer women in football in the wake of Josh Cavallo’s one-year anniversary of his own viral coming-out video. Read more...
4th November 2022 - Newly ascendant anti-LGBT MK says he will seek to ban Jerusalem Pride Parade
Noam head Avi Maoz looking for way to outlaw annual march he deems offensive, also plans to roll back ban on debunked gay conversion therapy. Read more...
4th November 2022 - Bishop of Oxford breaks ranks and calls on Church of England to allow same-sex marriage
The Bishop of Oxford has become the highest-ranking member of the Church of England to call for an end to a ban on same-sex marriage. Read more...
4th November 2022 - Great to see members of the Hobart Hurricanes talking about what Pride means to them.
YOU TUBE3rd November 2022 - Christian preacher says he uses anti-gay slurs to teach “a perfect hatred” of LGBTQ people
Brother Tanner Furrh of the Stedfast Baptist Church in Watauga, Texas explained in a sermon why he uses anti-LGBTQ slurs instead of just saying that gay people are condemned to hell. Read more...
1st November 2022 - Qatar's first openly gay man has a message for football fans ahead of the FIFA World Cup
Nas Mohamed left Qatar to escape persecution based on his sexuality. Now, he's speaking out. Read more...
29th October 2022 - Ghana: Anti-LGBT Bill will be passed before 2024 elections
The Bill prescribes that people of the same sex who engage in sexual activity could spend up to 10 years in jail. Read more...
28th October 2022 - Kenya passes landmark law to recognize and protect intersex people
With the enactment of a law protecting intersex children, Kenya has become the first African country to grant official recognition to intersex people as a third gender. Starting in July 2022, they are eligible for an ‘I’ gender marker on their identity cards. Read more...
28th October 2022 - Major parties slammed for rejecting Greens LGBTIQ+ proposal
Federal Labor and the Coalition have again voted down a Greens proposal to appoint an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner to the Australian Human Rights Commission. Read more...
27th October 2022 - Labor votes with LNP, One Nation against LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner
Today, the Labor Party teamed up with the LNP and One Nation to vote down the Greens’ Senate amendment to establish an LGBQTIA+ Human Rights Commissioner. Read more...
27th October 2022 - LABOR’S NEW FAIR WORK BILL WILL PROTECT TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX EMPLOYEES FROM DISCRIMINATION
Just.Equal Australia has been one of the key organisations lobbying for this critical reform. But we’re not there yet. The Government’s legislation must be improved to ensure all people with innate variations of sex characteristics are protected from workplace discrimination. Read more...
27th October 2022 - Labor and Liberals sink LGBTIQA+ Commissioner, but advocates vow to fight on
Labor and the Liberals united today to block the appointment of an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner. They argued the Australian Human Rights Commission already deals with LGBTIQA+ issues. But the AHRC has no current LGBTIQA+ projects and hasn’t made a public statement on our rights since October last year. Just.Equal will keep fighting for this important appointment. Read more...
27th October 2022 - FED GOV'T TRANS AND INTERSEX WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS WELCOMED
Just.Equal Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s move to protect trans, gender diverse and intersex Australians from workplace discrimination. We have been lobbying for this for three years. But the proposal is not fully inclusive of all people with innate variations of sex characteristics and must be improved. Read more...
26TH October 2022 - Wins for LGBTIQ health and HIV prevention in federal budget
Australia’s peak LGBTIQ+ health bodies have welcomed funding in the federal budget for LGBTIQ+ health services and renewing the fight against HIV transmission in Australia. Read more...
22nd October 2022 - Anglican church apologises to married couple given ultimatum over their same-sex relationship
Peter Sanders and Peter Grace were told to break up and live a life of celibacy, or leave their roles at Armidale St Mary’s Anglican Church. A married couple who were caught in the Armidale Anglican diocese’s evangelical stance on same-sex relationships have received a rare apology from the church, albeit one the couple are “disappointed” with. Read more...
21st October 2022 - Catholic archbishop backs Victorian Liberals’ proposed religious discrimination changes
Victoria’s most senior Catholic has backed the Coalition’s proposal to amend the Equal Opportunity Act to allow religious schools to hire staff on the basis of faith, despite opposition from the state’s peak multicultural organisation and a leading Jewish group. Read more...
19th October 2022 - Victoria’s opposition commits to changing law to allow religious schools to hire based on faith
Victoria’s opposition leader, Matthew Guy, has committed the Coalition to amending the Equal Opportunity Act to give faith-based schools protection to hire staff who share their values and beliefs if it wins government in November. Read more...
17th October 2022- LGBTQ+ youth twice as likely to experience hate speech online, study finds
Young LGBTQ+ people are more than twice as likely to experience hate speech online compared with their heterosexual peers, a new report on internet usage has revealed. Read more...
16th October 2022 - Just Equal's Rodney Croome, responding to a baseless moral panic and highlighting a glaring double-standard in today’s Launceston Examiner.
14th October 2022 - Victoria’s 208 LGBTQ+ suicides to be outlined for the first time in new report
Exclusive: Coroner suspects ‘undercount’ as a decade of suicide data is released to the public. Read more...
13th October 2022 - Report projects major growth in LGBTQ voters in coming decades
“It is safe to assume that LGBTQ+ Americans are, and will increasingly continue to be, an important voting bloc in American elections,” the report says. Read more...8th October 2022 - HAPPY INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN DAY! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
7th October 2022 - One Nation's Mark Latham said just 0.17 per cent of Australians are transgender.
This week, CheckMate tests Mark Latham's maths on the number of transgender people in Australia.Posting to Facebook late last month, One Nation's Mark Latham posed a question: How many transgender people were there in Australia?The former Labor leader then provided an answer. Read more...6th October 2022 - Serbia Banning EuroPride 2022 Shows Hard-Won Progress For LGBTQ+ Rights Is Under Threat
Four days before the streets of Belgrade were to host EuroPride 2022, LGBTQ+ activists were handed a letter from Serbia’s interior ministry informing them that the proposed route for the Pride march had been rejected and telling them to submit a revised route. Read more...
6th October 2022 -Crossbench MP says WA LGBTIQA+ law reform does not go far enough
Upper House MP, Dr Brian Walker, says the recommendations from WA Law Reform Commission to update the state’s Equal Opportunity Act don’t go far enough. Read more...
6th October 2022 - JEA representatives meet Stephen Bates MP at launch of PFLAG Australia
Just.Equal Australia's researcher, Dr Sharon Dane and secretary, Elaine Crump (left photo), mingled with community representatives at the official launch of PFLAG Australia. Director and National Spokesperson for PFLAG Australia, Jane Hopkins (right photo) launched the new group, amalgamated from state groups, at Brisbane's Powerhouse Museum.
1st October 2022 - OPINION | Tainted blood: Canada shows the way on gay blood donation
The Red Cross has a new rationale for blocking gay blood donation, and it’s just as bad as the rest. Read more...
27th September 2022 - The Last Census, And The Next
Census information on non-binary sex did not yield useful information. The ABS hopes to do better next time. Read more...
23rd September 2022 - Queensland Police Service to make historic apology to LGBTIQ+ community
The Queensland Police Service has committed to issuing a formal apology to the LGBTIQ+ community for historic enforcement of discriminatory laws in the state. It comes after police were asked not to wear their uniforms again if attending this weekend's Brisbane Pride Festival March and Rally on Saturday. Read more...23rd September 2022 - Petition urges further protections in overhaul of Equal Opportunity Act
Local LGBTQIA+ advocacy group Rainbow Futures WA have welcomed the news that the McGowan Government will be overhauling the state’s Equal Opportunity Act, but say more can be done to bring us in line with the east coast on LGBTQIA+ protections. Read more..
23rd September 2022 - Art teacher quits after students called him anti-gay slurs
In 2019, shortly after earning his teaching credential, Jake Gless, 42, joined the faculty at Lakewood Public Schools in Michigan as a middle-school art teacher. Two years later, after being harassed by his very own students and lacking support from school administrators, he was out. Read more..
21st September 2022 - Why this 16-metre-wide rainbow dress is on display on Sydney
A giant, colourful dress made from the flags of the 71 countries where it remains illegal to be LGBTIQ+ has come to Australia ahead of Sydney WorldPride this summer. Read more...
21st September 2022 - Teachers’ union, transgender centre rejected by Sydney Mardi Gras parade
The NSW teachers’ union and the state’s largest transgender service centre say they are disappointed and dismayed after being excluded from next year’s Sydney Mardi Gras parade, as organisers claim there was simply no room owing to high demand. Read more...
21st September 2022 - DONALD TRUMP-LOVING GAY REPUBLICAN GEORGE SANTOS SAYS HE SUPPORTS DON’T SAY GAY BILL
A gay Republican George Santos is currently running to represent New York’s 3rd congressional district. Santos’ opponent gay Democrat Robert Zimmerman has dubbed him “more extreme than most Republicans are, and dangerously divisive and radical” and not without reason. Read more...
16th September 2022 - ‘Kaison has two mums’: discrimination complaint lodged over lack of census questions on sexuality
Newcastle parent April Long says it was shocking to discover 2021 census asked where their child’s ‘mother and father’ were born. Read more..
13th September 2022 - NSW Labor MP raises concerns over puberty-blocking treatment at Newcastle clinic for trans and gender diverse children
The New South Wales Health Minister says he will seek advice on processes at a gender clinic in Newcastle after a budget hearing was told it may be putting children on puberty-blocking medication too quickly. Read more...13th September 2022 - Homosexuality wasn't decriminalised in Queensland until 1991, but the state has a long and rich queer history
Late at night on the banks of the Brisbane River, two young men settled on a spot between a Moreton Bay fig and a fence.It was 1968. The teens had nowhere else to go and thought nobody could see them.The liaison was short lived. A harsh light ripped away the darkness like a bed sheet. It was a policeman's torch."They thought we were trying to break into the milk factory," Bill Rutkin says with a chuckle."When they worked out we were both gay men and probably about to commit an offence, they just gave us a good thumping and told us to go and see a psychiatrist." Read more...12 September 2022 - ‘I no longer question who I am’: they’re rural, trans and staying put
When trans woman Zara Jones came out after living in Bendigo for a decade – and lost friends and a support network as a result – she quickly realised the critical need to support trans, gender-diverse and non-binary (TGDNB) residents in rural Victoria. Read more...
9th September 2022 - From Princess Diana to Prince Harry, here are 9 times the royal family showed support for the LGBTQ community
It may be interesting at this time, to reflect back on the support the Royal Family has shown the LGbTIQA+ community. Read more...8th September 2022 - Australian Doctor apologises for harmful medical treatment of intersex children
A leading expert in sex development and gender dysphoria has made the first public apology by a medical doctor in Australia for harmful medical treatments imposed on children with intersex variations. Read more...
8th September 2022 - Peppa Pig introduces same-sex couple as Penny Polar Bear's two mummies
UK children's show Peppa Pig has introduced a same-sex parent family for the first time in it's 18-year history. Read more...6th September 2022 - How Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights Are Part of the Authoritarian Playbook
In the last three decades, protections for LGBT people’s rights have advanced rapidly in many countries and regions. However, rising populist authoritarianism poses a significant threat to this progress because abolishing sexual freedom is often at the heart of repressive political projects. Read more...
6th September 2022 - JEA's Petition is presented to the Senate
6th September 2022 - JEA's Petition on it's way to Parliament
4th September 2022 - Parenting a trans teen in rural Australia has enriched our lives in ways I never could have imagined
Being trans was not something Milo wanted special attention for, but in a regional town it wasn’t something he could hide. Read more...
3rd September 2022 - Australia Needs an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner
Alastair Lawrie explains in careful detail why Australia needs an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner. The issue will be debated in the Senate this week.
3rd September 2022 - ‘Please lean in with a bit of empathy’: it’s not easy being trans in rural Australia
Attitudes to TGDNB people may be improving but the lack of dedicated health services is a big problem in the bush. Read more...
Much has changed to improve the lives of queer young people, but many still suffer discrimination that can become life-threatening without stronger support from educators and health professionals. By Jacob Thomas. Read more...
1st September 2022 - Bid to change Queensland law that allows religious schools to discriminate against gay teachers
Under proposed changes, only school staff involved in direct teaching of religion could be subject to different rules. Read more...
31st August 2022 - LGBTIQA+ COMMUNITY REPS NOT INVITED TO JOBS AND SKILLS SUMMIT
Just.Equal Australia has called on the federal government to include LGBTIQA+ community organisations or representatives in its Jobs and Skills Summit following their conspicuous omission from the list of attendees.
30th August 2022 - Queer Afghans have been forgotten and queer people worldwide continue to be ignored
One year since the fall of Kabul, Micro Rainbow reflects on the hostile environment faced by LGBTQ+ Afghans and the charity’s plan to ensure that “love and unity prevail over fear and divisions”. Read more...
29TH AUGUST 2022 - Trudeau announces launch of $100M plan to fight 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination, increase inclusion
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Sunday the launch of a $100 million plan to combat discrimination and increase inclusion for 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians. Trudeau made the announcement alongside Women and Gender Quality and Youth Minister Marci Ien, who said the majority of the money would go toward community organizations, with $8 million going toward data collection, another $5.6 million spent on building an awareness campaign and $11.7 million going toward the 2SLGBTQ+ Secretariat. Read more...
28th August 2022 - WA Nationals call for change to blood donation rules
The Let Us Give campaign has applauded the West Australian National Party for supporting an end to the current gay blood ban. On Saturday at the WA Nationals state convention, the WA Young Nationals proposed the following motion that was passed with overwhelming support: “That this State Convention of the Nationals WA calls on the National Blood Authority and Red Cross Lifeblood to review policies around blood donation to make them less discriminatory to LGBTIQ+ community members and increase the number of potential blood donors.” Read more...
28th August 2022 - The Jobs and Skills Summit and LGBTIQ Australians Part 2
LGBTIQA+ anti-discrimination advocate, Alastair Lawrie, has written to the ACTU and Business Council of Australia urging them to raise LGBTIQA+ workplace issues at the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit. So has Just.Equal Australia. Read more...
26th August 2022 - We need more than purple prose:
Wear It Purple Day is a grass-roots initiative from young LGBTQI+ activists that aims to celebrate diversity, to commemorate the years of queer rights activism as well as raise awareness of the struggles queer folks have had to face here in Australia. Over the years it has shifted from negative mental health impacts and self-harm prevention to also celebrate rainbow young people and pride. Read more...
25th August 2022 - Government urged to include 'overlooked' LGBTQIA+ community in upcoming summit
Advocacy group Just.Equal Australia has called out the government after it "overlooked" the LGBTQIA+ on the Summit Issues Paper of the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit, encouraging them to also address the issues faced by the community. Read more...
25th August 2022 -Home Office has sent 3,000 queer refugees back to violent anti-LGBTQ+ countries, new data reveals
The Tory government has been accused of “failing to stand up” for the LGBTQ+ community as it emerged that the Home Office granted fewer than 700 LGB asylum claims in 2021. Read more...
25th August 2022 - Jim Chalmers says LGBTIQA+ employment is on the agenda
"Treasurer Jim Chalmers has told OUTinPerth that the government’s upcoming jobs and skills summit will include consideration of the unique challenges some people in the LGBTIQA+ communities face." Read more,,,
24th August 2022 - Muslim scholars urge Indonesia to look the other way as Singapore, Vietnam ease anti-gay laws
- Indonesian Ulema Council chairman says LGBT community is ‘condemned’ by all six state-recognised religions, even though homosexuality is not illegal in country
- Discourse on LGBT rights highlights ‘generation gap’ that could complicate Indonesia’s acceptance towards marginalised sexual communities, observers say
24th August 2022 - Hungary’s Anti-LGBT Laws Create A Threatening Environment For Human Rights
"In June 2021, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the National Assembly passed a legislation by 157 votes to one, banning the depiction or promotion of LGBT-related material to individuals under 18. In particular, the law prohibits material that promotes homosexuality or sex reassignment through TV shows and films featuring gay characters, educational programs, and visual material such as rainbow flags." Read more...
THE ORGANISATION FOR WORLD PEACE
24th August 2022 - Religious schools in WA can sack a teacher if they are LGBTIQ+. Proposed laws aim to prevent this
"Coming out as gay can be a mentally and emotionally challenging time, but for Perth man Craig Campbell, it was made more difficult when he lost his job because of his sexuality." Read more...
23rd August 2022 - Biased Science in Texas & Alabama
"The best scientific evidence shows that gender dysphoria is real, that untreated gender dysphoria leads predictably to serious, negative medical consequences, and that gender-affirming care significantly improves mental health outcomes, including reducing rates of suicide." Read more...
24th August 2022 - Vietnam says being gay is ‘not a disease’
The nation’s ministry of health said in an official document released in August that being LGBTQ+ is “entirely not an illness” and “cannot be ‘cured’ nor need[s] to be ‘cured’ and cannot be converted in any way”. Read more...
23rd August 2022 - Albanese government must not snub LGBTIQA+ issues at Jobs Summit
22nd August 2022 - The Jobs and Skills Summit and LGBTIQ Australians Part 1
The Govenrment’s Jobs and Skills summit addresses issues faced by women, First Nations people, people with disability, older Australians, migrants and refugees, and those living in regional and remote areas. But not LGBTIQA+ people. We aren’t mentioned despite experiencing high evens of workplace discrimination. In this article, Alastair Lawrie looks at two key areas for our community: the failure of the Fair Work Act to explicitly protect trans, gender diverse and intersex people from discrimination, and the failure of federal and some state laws to protect LGBTIQA+ employees from discrimination by faith-based schools and services. Read more...
19th August 2022 - Just Equal Welcomes WA Reforms: Calls to go Further
4th August 2022 - 'Pretend integrity': Greens blast Labor's human rights bill - The Advocate
3rd August 2022 - ‘Overdue’: Labor rejects Greens LGBTIQ+ amendment
3rd August 2022 - Greens' proposal to appoint an LCBTIQA+ Human Rights Commisioner voted down.
1st August 2022 - Plibersek voices support for changing the rules around blood donation
1st August 2022 - Calls for the appointment of an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner
31st July 2022 - Where's Our Human Rights Commissioner?
The new Federal Government has tabled a bill to ensure more transparency in the appointment of commissioners at the Australian Human Rights Commission. That’s great, but it should also include the appointment of an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner. Just.Equal Australia has written to all supportive minor parties and cross benches asking them to get behind this overdue initiative. For more: https://ymlpmail9.net/zUZs48
28th July 2022 - Tanya Plibersek supports review of the current Red Cross Lifeblood ban
26th July 2022 - Lifting of mad cow ban reignites calls to allow gay men to give blood
25th July 2022 - Australians In The UK during Mad Cow Can Now Donate Blood
23rd July 2022 - Who is Labour Afraid Of?
21st July 2022 - Bill Shorten to Remove 'Birthing Parent'. from medical forms
18th July 2022 - Share Your Story About Not Being Able to Donate Blood
July 16th 2022 - Help Remove the Current Blood Ban.
July 12th 2022 - Just.Equal Calls For End to Sacking of LGBTIQA+ Teachers in WA
Just.Equal calls for end to sacking of LGBTIQA+ teachers in WA
July 5th 2022 - Australia's Lifeblood Weighing Rule Change for Gay Plasma Donation
“Lifting the current ban on plasma donation by gay and bisexual men, and trans women and some non binary people who have sex with men, will not solve the problem of Australia’s dangerously low supplies of whole blood.” - Thomas Buxereau from Let Us Give
Australia's Lifeblood Weighing Rule Change for Gay Plasma Donation
July 4th 2022 - Lifeblood Move to Lift Donor Constraints
Allowing gay men to give plasma won't make any difference to the shortage of whole blood Australia is experiencing. Quarantined gay plasma donation was abandoned in other countries like Israel and Canada because it didn't work. Instead, they rapidly moved on to assessing all donors for their individual risk, which is what Australia should do too. A news report about gay plasma donation attached. The response from the Let Us Give campaign here: https://ymlp.com/zsQsoMM
30th June 2022 - ABS Under Fire Over 'non-binary' Census Question
29th June 2022 - Quinns Baptist College Refuses Student's New Name
20th June 2022 - FINA Trans Decision Slammed
Sally Goldner comments on the decision of world swimming federation, FINA, to ban trans women from elite-level womens swimming.
June 17th 2022 - Let Them Give
17th June 2022 - Thank You Janet Rice
Thank you, Janet Rice, for all you have done as the Greens’ LGBTIQA+ spokesperson. Just.Equal Australia welcomes Stephen Bates to the role.
More here…https://ymlp.com/zDMbus
16th June 2022 - Joe Wants to Donate
Joe wants to donate blood. He can't because of his sexuality
Canada, France, Greece, Lithuania and Austria have all removed restrictions on gay and bisexual men donating blood this year. On World Blood Donor Day there are renewed calls for Australia to do the same.
https://www.sbs.com.au/.../joe-wants-to-donate.../tns7hi9w1
16th June 2022 - 'Let Us Give' Campaigner Thomas Buxereau on blood donation
15th June 2022 - Dr Sharon Dane Explains the Science Behind Dropping the Gay, bi, and Trans Blood Ban.
14th June 2022 - 'Let Us Give' Campaigner, Thomas Buxereau on Dropping the Archaic Ban on Blood Donation
14th June 2022 - Sign the Petition to change the Ban on Blood Donation.
9th June 2022 - Church Authorities May be able to Reject New Employment Applicants.
5th June 2022 - LNP's Culture War Against Inclusive Schools
1st June 2022 - Just.Equal calls for Australia to abandon gay blood donor ban
1st June 2022 Sign the Petition Calling on the Gvernment to Act Quickly on LGBtIQA+ Equality and Inclusion
31st May 2022 - Call On Albanese to Appoint Equality Minister
31st May 2022 - Advocates Calling for Change to Blood Donation Laws as Stocks Plummet
31st May 2022 - Individual Risk Assessment Would Make the Blood Supply Safer
31st May 2022 - ACT Drafts Australian-first Legislation to Stop Deferrable Surgical Interventions on iIntersex Children
30th May 2022 - LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day: Survivor shares her story
28th May 2022 - Why The Election Has Unlocked The Door To Real LGBTIQA+ Change
27TH MAY 2022 - ACT Move To End Non-Consenting Intersex MedicalIintervention
27TH MAY 2022 - Cal lFor Other States To Follow ACT Lead On Protecting Intersex Children
26TH MAY 2022 - Sorry Day Commemorated Across The Country
24TH MAY 2022 - Both Major Parties Ignored the LGBTIQA+ Vote. It Cost Them Dearly!
23rd May 2022 - Austria to Lower Hurdles for LGBT+ Citizens to Donate Blood
22nd May 2022 - Just.Equal Welcomes Election Result: Opportunity to Move Forward
Just.Equal Australia today welcomed yesterday’s election result saying Australia enjoys a unique opportunity to move forward on LGBTIQA+ human rights.
22nd May 2022 - Just.Equal Welcomes Election Result as Unique Opportuniy to Move Rights Forward.
“The true winners in this election have been equality, inclusion and acceptance for LGBTIQA+ Australians." - Sally Goldner
20th May 2022 - Check Out How The Politicians Responded To Our Survey
20th May 2022 - Has the Australian Electoral Map Been lying to You?
Check out this article by the ABC to find out
20th May 2022 - Will The LGBTIQ+ Vote Make a Difference in Brisbane?
19th May 2022 - Planning on going overseas? Check here first
New research has revealed which countries and destinations are the safest, and most hostile, for LGBTQI+ travellers to visit.
Travel journalists and researchers Asher and Lyric Fergusson have ranked 203 countries for the third LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index using a range of factors including discrimination, marriage equality, morality laws and transgender murder rates.
17th May 2022 - 
Happy IDAHOBIT !
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and individual and organizational discrimination and violence against Intersex, Brotherboy, Sistagirl people. Our communities unite to recognize our real life circumstances and to honour innumerable individual and community struggles for justice, common sense, human kindness and compassion. We acknowledge the resilience and dedication of our communities.
Today is a day for thanking our activists and our allies.
On IDAHOBIT day we consider the successes of our struggles but remain realistic about the social changes and reforms that are still desperately needed. We acknowledge that some within LGBTIQA+ communities in Australia, and other western countries enjoy relative peace and security in contrast to those in so many other societies where constant fear, death and lack of opportunity to enjoy life is socially and legally denied and well-being is constantly threatened.
Just Equal Australia unanimously recommits to continuing to strive towards the values and goals we hold and share with other organisations and individuals in Australia. Just Equal Australia will continue to work honestly, ethically and relentlessly with our international friends and allies.
9th May 2022 - Scott Morrison defends delaying protections for LGBTQ students as party tensions resurface
8th May 2022 - How They Voted On The Religious Discrimination Bill
Just.Equal Australia has condemned the Coalition Government for its plan to bring back the Religious Discrimination Bill. It has called for the Coalition to deliver some positive initiatives to reduce discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people instead.
Meanwhile, the PM has said gay students aren’t being expelled from faith-based schools. That’s not true, but even if they aren't being expelled then what’s wrong with ensuing it doesn’t happen again by banning it? As for trans students, it’s obvious to everyone they are facing discrimination. But the Government seems fine with that. The attached table is a handy reminder of who voted for what during the religious discrimination debate in February.
5th May 2022 - Electoral Survey Results Are In
The results from the 2022 Election Survey are in and shows religious exemptions and school safety are among the top priorities. Now, JEA will use the results to seek commitments from all the major parties.
See here for the top level results, or click on the graphic for the full report
3rd May 2022 - Morrison Promise to Re-Introduce Religious Discrimination Bill Slammed
Just.Equal is appalled by the Coalition's promise to bring back its Religious License-to-Discriminate Bill...29th April 2022 - Canada Removes Ban On Blood Donations From Gay Men
18th April 2022 - Catholic Schools Call For Religious Discrimination Law Plan
16th Apr 2022 - LGBTIQ Lobby Joins Catholics in Albo Ultimatum
16th Apr 2022 - Ten Months of Transphobia
16th April 2022 - Greens Leader Adam Bandt Says Trans Rights are 'Non-Negotiable'
16th Apr 2022 - Advocates Urge Politicians to Hear Real Issues Facing Trans Folks
14th Apr 2022 - Greens Call For Gender surgery to go on Medicare
The AGE. Great to see some positive transgender policy commitments from the Greens. As Sally Goldner says it’s an antidote to all the anti-trans fear-mongering.
13th Apr 2022 - Australia Prime Minister Reiterates Opposition to Trans Women in Female Sports
11th Apr 2022 - Trans Advocates Call for Election Debate on Issues that Matter, not 'Faux' Culture Wars
7th Apr 2022 - Labor Called on to Answer Questions about LGBTQ+ Teachers
6th Apr 2022 - Fears and Hopes for the 2022 Federal Election
23rd Mar 2022 - Queer Conversation with Dr Sharon Dane
23rd Mar 2022 - Advocates Call on Albanese to meet Trans Community
22nd March 2022 - Survey Gives LGBTIQA+ Commnuities Voice On Election Prioritiies.
Thanks to LOTL for publishing this article on Just.Equal Australia's federal election survey.
21st Mar 2022 - Teachers Asked to Sign Anit-Gay Contract
Citipointe College is in the news again, this time asking teachers to sign a contract saying they'll be sacked if they're LGBTIQ+.
4th Mar 2022 - Russian Post-Invasion Kill List Includes Ukrainian LGBT Citizens
Just.Equal Australia has called on the Australian Government to welcome Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ refugees after it was revealed invading Russian forces have a kill list that includes LGBTIQ+ people.
6th Feb 2022 - Don't Bargain With Bigostry
6th Feb 2022 - Our Blood Is Safe
6th Feb 2022 - Reports On religious Bill Show Both Major Parties Out Of Touch
Religious discrimination bill should be passed with caveats, two inquiries recommend SBS News.
4th Feb 2022 - 5 Things We Learned from the Senate Hearing into the Religious Discrimination Bill
3rd Feb 2022 - Tell the Liberals to Kill The Bill
3rd February 2022 - Australians Overwhelmingly Oppose Key Provisions of the Religioous Licence to Discriminate Bill.
2nd Feb 2022 - Citipointe Stance Makes Arguing Against the Religious Discrimination Bill Easier
2nd Feb 2022 - Gay Blood Donor Restrictions Stop Us Saving Lives
I don't know if anyone still needs to hear this in 2022, but not just gay men can contract HIV.
25th Jan 2022 - Advocates Renew Calls for Changes to Blood Ban as Donation Needed
23rd Jan 2022 - Why The Religious Discrimination Bill Must Be Rejected
21 Jan 2022 - Brian Greig on Behalf of Just.Equal Australia
20th Jan 2022 - Greece Removes Ban On Queer Men Donating Blood
11th Jan 2022 - Just.Equal Calls for LGBTIQA+ Focus in Religious Bias Inquiries
7th Jan 2022 - Stop the Licence-to-Discriminate Bill
5th Jan 2022 - Equality, Not Discrimination
1st Jan 2022 - Take a Stance Against the Religious Licence-to-Discriminate Bill
30th Nov 2021 - Hard Times are Upon Us
Hi community members and allies
The Just Equal board notes that the proposals relating to so-called Religious Discrimination bills are likely to be introduced to federal parliament this week, with much debate in all forms of media to follow.
We sadly recall the often difficult and challenging experiences that took place before, during (and even after) the 2017 marriage postal survey. In this light, we are concerned that many LGBTIQA+ people, family members and allies will experience similar distress at this peak time of debate over this legislation, given some aspects of it are likely to be damaging both directly and indirectly for many folk in our communities. We are concerned that the tabling of this divisive legislation may have many unintended consequences with the greatest impact on the mental health and well being of people who have struggled all their lives to create a welcoming and accepting space in which to survive and be accepted.
We strongly affirm the idea of self-care as needed. Every individual knows what works best for them like exercise, pets, music, TV, a bath, breathing exercises. We offer some general thoughts:
- Pull back from reviewing media articles, discussion on social media if things even begin to feel a little bit tough
- Talk to friends and supports
- Check in on each other
- Utilise services such as Qlife 1800184527 www.qlife.org.au/ or www.rainbowdoor.org.au/ or 1800729367 or services in your state/territory
If you are doing ok, Just Equal and other community organisations advocating to expose this unnecessary legislation for what it is will welcome your support. Now is the time to stand together and activate for those who can't. One way you can do that is to send a message to Labor to speak out against this proposal and do all they can to kill the bill.
1st June 2018 - Responding to the Religious Privilege Movement
11th March 2017 - DEVIL IN THE DETAIL: The choice between true marriage equality and new forms of discrimination against LGBTI Australians
This new book by long-time marriage equality campaigner, Rodney Croome, asks the question, should the LGBTI community compromise on marriage equality? Should we accept being allowed to marry in return for new laws that allow us to be discriminated against?
The book looks at what compromises are likely to be proposed, how they will be put forward under the cover of "religious freedom", how they will be defended and why we should not accept them.
Rodney also considers who has the right to make the difficult choices at stake.
Australian commentator, Peter van Onselen, has written,
“I don’t think churches should be compelled to marry gay couples if it’s against their belief systems, but a Christian baker refusing to bake a cake for a gay wedding sounds pretty bigoted to me. These are issues worthy of further debate.”
Rodney Croome's book is an important contribution to that debate. Download Devil In The Detail here.
Addendum to Devil In The Detail, Jan 2018
This book was written before the passage of legislation allowing Australian LGBTI people to marry in December 2017. The purpose then was to make a case against compromises in that legislation which allowed discrimination in the name of “religious freedom” (or religious privilege as it should be known). With the religious privilege movement currently in full swing this discussion is now more important than ever.
Downloadable Addendum here.
18 jan 2017
We are concerned that any marriage equality legislation that entrenches the unequal treatment of LGBTI couples undermines the point of providing for these couples to marry. Indeed, it cannot properly be called “marriage equality”. The many people who support marriage equality because it provides for equality would find it very difficult to support legislation that takes with one hand while giving with the other.
The submission
Just.equal is a national LGBTIQ lobbying, advocacy and campaign group with a focus on anti-discrimination protections and on marriage equality. Our mandate comes from the extensive and exhaustive research we conduct on the views of LGBTIQ Australians.
Definitions
In this submission “same-sex couples” refers all those adult couples who the meet the criteria for marriage except they are not male and female. We will use “marriage equality” to refer to laws that allow them to marry.
Our position
We support marriage equality in principle, including the intent of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill.
We support allowing ministers of religious to refuse service to any couple whose relationship does not conform to their religious views.
We oppose all provisions that specifically allow same-sex couples to be refused service by marriage-related service providers including civil celebrants and businesses owned and operated by religious organisations.
We believe the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill should be fully inclusive regardless of sex, gender or sexual orientation.
Reasons for supporting marriage equality
The case for marriage equality has been made consistently and well over many years, including to several parliamentary inquiries. We will not give a detailed exposition on the need for marriage equality except to remind the inquiry that:
a) marriage equality is based on values of legal equality, personal freedom, inclusion and respect
b) there is significant evidence that marriage equality boosts the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ people and their families, as well as strengthening their relationships and the institution of marriage
c) there is no evidence that marriage equality has undermined marriage as an institution, the wellbeing of children or religious freedoms anywhere it has been enacted.
We are more than happy to provide extra information, including empirical research, in regard to any of these points if it is required by the Committee.
Reasons for opposing provisions that allow refusal of service to same-sex couples.
As stated above, we support the current provision of the Marriage Act that allows religious ministers to refuse to marry any couple based on the minister’s beliefs.
We oppose all other provisions of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill that allows refusal of service to same-sex couples who intend to marry. First we deal with concerns specific to particular provisions, then general concerns.
Religious ministers
It is unnecessary to provide ministers of religious with an additional legal right to refuse service to same-sex couples when they already have this right for all couples.
Civil celebrants
Civil celebrants are delegated by the government to perform a government duty, much like justices of the peace. They are also private business owners who provide a commercial service. On both counts, they should not be able to refuse service to anyone on the basis of their relationship status, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are not aware of any organised call or demonstrated need for civil celebrants to be able to discriminate against same-sex couples.
Religious organisations
Religious organisations provide commercial services that could be relevant to marriages.
These commercial services should be subject to the same laws as all commercial services.
That means they should not be able to refuse service to anyone on the basis of their relationships status or sexual orientation.
General concerns
Stigma
We are concerned that the proposed provisions are specific to same-sex couples. This means same-sex relationships will continue to be stigmatised as second-rate and less worthy than heterosexual relationships. One of the main reasons for allowing same-sex couples to marry is to challenge the deep, historical stigma and prejudice against same-sex relationships. We oppose the proposed provisions because they will perpetuate this stigma.
Access to services
We are concerned that couples in rural and regional areas may find it difficult to access wedding services under the proposed provisions. One of the main reasons we support marriage equality is to allow couples to celebrate their love and commitment with friends and family in those places that mean the most to them, for example, in the communities they grew up in. Denial of wedding services can limit the choices same-sex couples make about where to celebrate their marriages.
Not equality
We are concerned that any marriage equality legislation that entrenches the unequal treatment of same-sex couples undermines the point of allowing same-sex couples to marry. Indeed, it cannot properly be called “marriage equality”. The many people who support marriage equality because it provides for equality would find it very difficult to support legislation that takes with one hand while giving with the other.
Anti-discrimination principles
We are concerned the proposed provisions undermine Australian anti-discrimination law.
Protections that currently exist under some state laws will be lost. The principle that there should be no discrimination on the grounds of relationship status or sexual orientation will be infringed. The fundamental principle of discrimination law - that everyone should have equal access to the same opportunities in life - will also be violated.
The slippery slope
We are concerned by the precedent the proposed provisions will set. If this parliament accepts that same-sex couples can be discriminated against because of the religious beliefs of service providers, what stops a future parliament allowing discrimination against inter-racial partners, inter-faith partners, civil union partners, or any partners who don’t conform to a particular religious doctrine? Indeed, what stops parliament accepting any form of discrimination that can be justified by holy texts? We note that in the United States a religious freedom bill before that Kentucky state legislature has prompted concerns from those people who feel it is broad enough to encompass couples other than the same-sex couples it explicitly targets.
International precedents
We are concerned that Australia would be defying the trend in comparable jurisdictions if the proposed provisions were passed. The legislation that achieved marriage equality in the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland did not contain any provisions allowing for the refusal of services (other than by ministers of religion). There is no evidence that religious freedoms have been undermined in those countries. If those countries can pass true marriage equality, Australia should be able to as well.
Debasement of religious values and freedoms
We are concerned that the proposed provisions debase religious values and freedoms.
Because the provisions we object to allow refusal of service only to same-sex couples they are clearly not about genuine religious values, they are about permitting prejudice. If they were about the former, they would encompass all couples whose relationships might violate religious tenets. Associating religious values with prejudice in this way debases the very concept of religious values and diminishes the reputation of religious institutions in the eyes of everyday Australians. This is why so many people of faith object to the offending provisions. The same goes for religious freedom. There is an unconditional freedom to hold a religious view. But there is not an unconditional freedom to impose religious values on others, or harm or disadvantage others through the practise of these values. To make a claim to the latter freedom devalues the suffering of those religious minorities around the world who are experiencing genuine infringements of their religious freedom.
Personal conscience
We are concerned that the proposed provisions allow “conscientious beliefs” to be the basis for refusing service. This is an ill-defined term that conceivably encompasses all forms or personal prejudice. We oppose “religious beliefs” being a legitimate basis for refusing service, as much as we oppose “conscientious beliefs”. Both terms allow discrimination against LGBTIQ people in the provision of government and commercial services. However, at least there is a body of jurisprudence that sets limits on “religious beliefs”. This is much less the case with “conscientious beliefs”.
Ensuring full inclusion
Most marriage equality legislation that has been proposed makes it clear that marriage is between two people regardless of sex, gender or sexual orientation. This helps ensure marriage equality is fully inclusive of transgender and intersex people. We believe the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill should do the same.
The views of the LGBTIQ community
As stated at the outset, just.equal takes its mandate from comprehensive and exhaustive research on the attitudes of LGBTIQ Australians. Together with groups such as Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, just.equal has commissioned research on the issue of refusal of service. The research is currently underway. We ask the Committee’s permission to be able to present a report of the survey when it is completed.
(the survey report is now available here)
29 Oct 2016
We're keeping the up pressure on parliament to vote down a plebiscite with the release of videoed interviews highlighting the true cost of the 2015 Irish marriage equality referendum.
The video will be the centrepiece of the anti-plebiscite campaign in the days leading up to the final Senate vote, with supporters asked to share it with their federal members through the makeitlaw.com.au website.
The video was commissioned by PFLAG and just.equal and produced by Niall Crowley, managing director of Irish communications company, "We the People".
Spokesperson for LGBTI lobby group, just.equal, Ivan Hinton-Teoh said,
"We are stepping up our campaign against a plebiscite and for a free vote to be absolutely sure it is knocked on the head."
"The Make It Law campaign has already delivered over 400,000 emails to MPs and Senators from everyday Australians calling on the plebiscite to be blocked."
"In the final days before the Senate vote we will be encouraging even more Australians to now share this powerful video with their politicians."
National spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Shelley Argent, said,
"I think what this video shows is that public votes on marriage equality put a huge and unnecessary strain on same-sex couples and their families."
"Warren Entsch has proposed a less expensive online plebiscite but that misses the point."
"The fundamental problem with a plebiscite is the human cost not the financial cost."
"The question for me is what path to marriage equality is best for our LGBTI children and I think that is clearly a free vote in parliament, not a plebiscite."
Dr Sharon Dane co-authored "Swimming with Sharks", a recently-released study through the University of Queensland and Victoria University of over 1,500 LGBTI Irish people and their families. The study is not directly linked to the video but it did look at the negative psychological and social impact of the Irish referendum campaign. Dr Dane said,
"The video interviews are in keeping with what our study found - that there was a hidden cost to the Irish referendum."
"Many same-sex couples and their families are still suffering from the hurtful and negative messages the referendum enabled."
The Senate is expected to debate the Government's proposed plebiscite legislation the week starting November 7th.
13th Oct 2016
In conjunction with global LGBTI rights group All Out we delivered a petition of 92,068 signatures to the Australian parliament on 13 October 2016.
The message was a simple one: Thank You For Promising To Block The Plebiscite! This 2.4m tall thank you card was delivered throughout parliament and attracted enthusiastic signatures from across the political spectrum.