Senate debates Motions

Sexual Discrimination


Anne Urquhart

Anne Urquhart Tasmania, Australian Labor Party

4:26 pm

At the request of Senators Wong, Smith and Rice, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) recognises that:

  (i) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people face discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and identity,

  (ii) LGBTIQ people everywhere deserve to live in safe and inclusive societies, and

  (iii) Australian society embraces diversity, ensuring that LGBTIQ people are safe, valued and respected;

(b) notes:

  (i) that Australian Governments of both persuasions have sought to promote and protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer human rights in Australia and internationally, and

  (ii) the ongoing and urgent challenges facing the protection of LGBTIQ human rights; and

(c) urges all parliamentarians to unreservedly commit to protecting the rights of LGBTIQ people and communities globally.

James McGrath

James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan

Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath

James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister

Human rights extend to every individual. The coalition government is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all Australians regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or ability. As part of this commitment, the government has appointed Philip Ruddock to examine whether Australian law adequately protects the human right to religious freedom. There is consensus across the parliament to ensure religious freedoms are protected, and this will be a timely expert stocktake to inform consideration of any necessary legislative reforms.

Question agreed to.