Senate debates

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Motions

African Anti-homosexuality Legislation

4:00 pm

Photo of Sarah Hanson-YoungSarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 1041, standing in my name for today, relating to anti-homosexuality legislation in Africa. I have circulated the amendments to the chamber. I also note that I have added Senator Pratt's name as a co-mover of this motion.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

(a) notes with grave concern:

  (i) the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, re-tabled in 2012, which would increase the penalties imposed in Uganda for homosexuality, and

  (ii) the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Law in Nigeria, passed by Nigeria's Parliament but not yet signed into law, which prohibits same-sex marriage and civil union by imposing penalties, including imprisonment of 14 years, and prohibits the activities of gay couples and organisations by imposing penalties, including imprisonment of 10 years; and

(b) supports the Australian Government continuing to urge the governments of Uganda and Nigeria to uphold the human rights of lesbian, gay and transgender people in accordance with their commitments under international law.

Question agreed to.