Equality Tasmania has welcomed the State Government’s decision to act allow harsher penalties for crimes against LGBTIQA+ people when they are motivated by prejudice, discrimination and hatred, but has called for more to be done to prevent such crime. Today, Attorney-General, Guy Barnett, announced he will draft legislation implementing the Sentencing Advisory Council’s recommendation to […]
Author: Rodney Croome
TAS GOV SUPPORTS FINANCIAL REDRESS FOR THOSE CONVICTED UNDER FMR ANTI-LGBTIQA LAWS
The Tasmanian Government has given its support for financial redress for those people convicted under the state’s former laws against homosexuality and cross-dressing. In September the state’s Lower House voted for a Greens’ redress scheme against the Government’s wishes. But ahead of debate in the Upper House the Government joined Labor, the Greens and Independents […]
TAS GOV TAKES STAND ON CENSUS
The Tasmanian Government has taken a stand in support of full LGBTIQA+ inclusion in the Census. Tasmanian Minister for Community Services, Roger Jaensch, has written to the minister responsible for the Census, Andrew Leigh, highlighting Tasmania’s progress toward implementing all Australian Bureau of Statstics (ABS) standards for LGBTIQA+ data gathering, reinforcing the need for equivalent […]
Tas Health Department launches groundbreaking LGBTIQA+ Action Plan
Equality Tasmania has welcomed the launch of the Tasmanian Health Department’s first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan. Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said, “Local and national research shows that LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians have poorer health, including mental health, than other Tasmanians and other LGBTIQA+ Australians, and that our poorer health is due to discrimination and stigma.” “The Department of Health’s […]
Tas left behind on conversion as SA passes ban
Equality Tasmania has warned that Tasmania risks being the last state to ban conversion practices after the South Australian Parliament last night passed a law banning conversion in that state. Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said, “The only states without conversion bans are now Western Australia and Tasmania.” “Survivors of conversion practices in Tasmania are three to four times more likely to have PTSD and attempt suicide.” “This […]
TAS LGBTIQA+ LEADERS WELCOME BUDGET FUNDING / URGE FURTHER INVESTMENT IN RELIEVING LGBTIQA+ DISADVANTAGE
LGBTIQA+ community leaders have welcomed $250,000 over two years for the Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ Action Plan announced in last week’s State Budget. But they say it is not enough to deal with LGBTIQA+ discrimination and mental health risk. Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said, “LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians experience much higher than average levels of discrimination and stigma which […]
TAS LOWER HOUSE SUPPORTS FINANCIAL REDRESS FOR VICTIMS OF FORMER LAWS AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY AND CROSS DRESSING
Last night the Tasmanian Parliament’s Lower House passed the nation’s first financial redress scheme for those convicted under former laws against homosexuality and cross-dressing. The scheme was introduced by Greens’ leader, Rosalie, Woodruff, and supported by Labor and independent MPs, during debate on Liberal Government legislation updating the state’s legislation allowing criminal records for homosexuality […]
Tas left behind on conversion as SA moves ahead
PM responds to Wilkie question with promise of anti-violence bill Equality Tasmania has warned that Tasmania risks being the last state to ban conversion practices after the South Australian Government released its draft conversion bill today. Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said, “When South Australia’s conversion ban passes, the only states without such bans will be Western Australia and […]
LAUNCESTON COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY VOTES FOR LGBTIQA+ CONSULTATION AND ACTION PLAN
Originally published Thursday June 13th 2024 Equality Tasmania has applauded the Launceston City’s Council’s unanimous decision to work with the local LGBTIQA+ community to foster greater inclusion and equity. The Council today heard from LGBTIQA+ community members who talked about continued discrimination and the positive role the Council can play in challenging that discrimination. Council then […]
Financial redress sought for historical anti-LGBTIQA+ convictions
The Tasmanian Government has ignored calls to provide financial redress for people convicted under the state’s former laws against homosexuality and cross-dressing, prompting Equality Tasmania to say it will seek a redress provision when the bill is debated. The Government today introduced a bill updating 2017 legislation that allows people convicted under Tasmania’s former laws […]