Page 439 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 15 February 2017
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the demands of work and family, and the graces of online communication, mean relationships now frequently cross borders. Such social changes should not unfairly prejudice LGBTIQ relationships.
I am equally proud that we continue to speak out against federal bills which will further entrench institutional and social exclusion of the LGBTIQ community. In our submission to the federal Senate select committee on the exposure draft of the same-sex marriage bill, we have advocated for a free parliamentary vote on marriage equality. Australians support a free vote on marriage equality and so do we.
In the ACT we have made other changes so that LGBTIQ people can participate fully and freely in civic life. For example, we all need to show banks, employers and schools our identity documents from time to time. These documents should accurately reflect our gender and our families, regardless of our sexual orientation and gender identity. Bureaucracy should not be a roadblock to the LGBTIQ community officially documenting their gender identity and family relationships. That is why we allow intersex, transgender and gender diverse people to have their gender identity officially documented.
We also recognise interstate parentage orders, give parents greater choice as to how they are referenced on a child’s birth certificate and provide flexibility in documenting name changes. These are practical steps that have a real impact.
We have established the Office for LGBTIQ Affairs as a central point within government for coordination and engagement with the LGBTIQ community. We also continue to send a strong message of acceptance and celebration by actively supporting LGBTIQ public events and activities across Canberra, such as SpringOUT. As we brighten the city with rainbow today, we send a message we hear echoed around Canberra: we celebrate our diversity.
Very importantly, the ACT government has also shown leadership by stepping in to fund the safe schools program here in the ACT. School can be a social minefield for anyone. For youth who are figuring out their gender identity and sexual orientation, it can be especially tough. It is critical that these youth feel supported to self-determine and are free in their self-expression, without fear of bullying or harassment. We are bolstering the support networks in our schools and funding early intervention and prevention programs to educate all of our youth about LGBTIQ issues.
We are also conscious that, for our young people, it is the day-to-day things that can make a big difference in the classroom and on the oval. The Education Directorate is currently revising the uniform policy, procedure and guidelines after receiving advice from the LGBTIQ Ministerial Advisory Council on more inclusive policies.
We also support the play by the rules and fair go, sport programs to change negative attitudes and promote inclusion in the sporting arena. We want to convey to all of our young people that, when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity, there is no right or wrong.
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