[Greens-Media] Greens support International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) - Pennicuik

[Amanda.Sharp at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Thursday 17th May 2013

Greens support International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia 
(IDAHO)

Victorian Greens spokesperson for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transexual and 
inter-sex (LGBTI) issues,  Sue Pennicuik MLC, today voiced her continued 
support for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 
(IDAHO).*

"Unfortunately, too many LGBTI people are still subject to discrimination 
in their daily lives and threats to their health and safety in our 
community," Ms Pennicuik said. "This is unacceptable and we all must 
continue to fight against it.

"Today is a reminder to us all to stand up against discrimination and to 
speak out strongly against homophobia and transphobia wherever we see it," 
Ms Pennicuik said.

The Greens are fighting for marriage equality with Adam Bandt's Marriage 
Equality to be voted on in the Federal Parliament on Thursday, 6 June. 

"Following successful votes in the New Zealand, UK and France this vote 
will ensure every MP's position is clear before the election. The Greens 
have a second Bill in the Senate that would see international same-sex 
marriages recognised in Australia," Mr Bandt said.

"The Greens also have marriage equality bills ready to go in five state 
parliaments. It is important that Australia achieves marriage equality, 
not only because it will mean any two persons who wish to have their 
loving relationship recognised by marriage will be able to do so, but also 
as an important symbol against homophobia and transphobia," Ms Pennicuik 
said.

"We should also remember that being in a same sex relationship is still 
against the law in many countries and people live in fear of oppression 
and violence. It is important to protest against such injustices overseas, 
as well as continuing to stand against prejudice here in Australia," Ms 
Pennicuik said.

*IDAHO falls on 17 May each year and commemorates the decision by the 
World Health Organisation in 1990 to take homosexuality off the list of 
mental disorders. IDAHO is now celebrated in more than 60 countries across 
the world and support is steadily growing.

For further comment:  Sue Pennicuik – 0409 055 875


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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 
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