Robert Simms (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Smith, move:

That the Senate—

(a)   offers its deepest condolences to the family of Mr Xulhaz Mannan who was violently killed in Bangladesh in April 2016;

(b)   recognises the immense contribution Mr Mannan made to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community in Bangladesh which included founding Roopbaan, Bangladesh's only LGBTI magazine;

(c)   notes that same-sex sexual relations are criminalised in Bangladesh which may result in LGBTI people being forced into exile; and

(d)   calls on the Government to continue to advocate for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Bangladesh and throughout the world.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australia government expressed its deep concern about the killing of Xulhaz Mannan and other recent murders in Bangladesh in a statement released by the Australia High Commission in Bangladesh on 27 April. The government called for the murders to be investigated swiftly and for those responsible to be brought to justice. We noted that the victims were respected citizens and we offered condolences to the families, friends and communities of the victims. Australia stands with Bangladesh in opposing the intolerance and violence espoused by terrorist and other extremist groups.

Question agreed to.