"It sends a clear message to our elected officials that they are falling behind public opinion on this vital issue."
The national Galaxy poll was commissioned by ACE with the support of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Results show support for reform flowed across the political spectrum with 91% of ALP voters and 83% of Coalition voters supporting legislation. Support levels were only slightly higher amongst females, white collar households and people who live in capital cities.
Mr Irlam will appear before the National Human Rights Consultation (NHRC) hearings on Wednesday morning in Great Hall of Parliament House. Mr Irlam will tell the committee that there are other ways to protect human rights apart from a human rights charter, including more comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.
Mr Irlam will outline how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & intersex Australians continue to suffer discrimination right through their lives.
"LGBTI people continue to be harassed at school, suffer employment discrimination, and are discriminated against in aged care facilities."
"Legislation won’t stop discrimination, but it will provide recourse for those who suffer it and send a message to the community that it is no longer acceptable."
Federal laws protect all Australians from discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, disability or age, but currently provide very little protection on the grounds of sexual orientation and no protection on the ground of gender identity.
In 1995, then Democrats leader Sid Spindler tabled a bill on sexuality discrimination in parliament. In 1997 a cross party Senate Inquiry tabled its report with the support of the ALP. The ALP released a consultation draft of its own discrimination bill in 2006 but has yet to introduce legislation upon coming to Government.
"GLBTI people have waited 14 years for law reforms in this area since the Spindler Bill was introduced. They have been waiting six government terms for law reform... let's not make it seven!"
For media comment please contact:
Corey Irlam Campaign Coordinator 0401 738 996
Rod Swift ACE media contact 0417 890 111
Note:
Mr Irlam will be available at the National Human Rights Consultation in Parliament House on Wednesday 1 July 2009 for further comment.
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National Poll results
Poll conducted as part of Galaxy Omnibus on the weekend of 12-14 June, 2009.
• A strong majority (85%) of Australians support federal laws protecting Australians from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity (42% strongly support, 43% support). In comparison, just 10% oppose such laws (4% strongly oppose, 6% oppose).
• Levels of support are strongest amongst those who intend to vote for the Greens (92% support) or the ALP (91% support), however the majority of coalition voters (83% support) also support federal laws protecting Australians from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Levels of support are slightly higher amongst females (87% support) than males (84% support), amongst white collar households (88% support) than blue collar households (82% support) and slightly higher amongst those who live in capitals cities (87% support) than those who live in regional Australia (83% support).
