Wednesday, 9 February 2022

LGBTIQA+ equality

Ms SHING (Eastern Victoria) (09:48): At this point in our legislative cycle we are seeing debate occur, particularly on a federal stage, which is causing enormous damage, distress, hurt and injury to some of our most vulnerable people. In particular I am talking about trans kids and the impact that current public debate is having upon them in the context of the religious discrimination bill. Today I want to stand up to express my solidarity and my grief and my love to everyone who is having such a tough time in the debate that is taking place on our federal stage at the moment.

I was proud and we were proud to speak in support of significant amendments and progressive reform to the equal opportunity legislation here in Victoria. These are necessary reforms. These are reforms which will make a difference and do provide the recognition, dignity and respect that everyone is entitled to. That is the essence of equal opportunity under our law. In expressing my love and support for those people within our LGBTIQA+ communities who are finding this debate hurtful I also want to acknowledge the steadfast work and determination from many religious organisations to not only be inclusive, warm and supportive but to make that position publicly known around making inequality something that we need to do something about and equality not negotiable.