2023-02-23
Today, the Greens have announced their Plan for Rainbow Rights in NSW, and committed to introducing legislation within the first 100 days of the new Parliament to remove the exceptions for religious bodies, private educational authorities and small businesses in the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act.
Jenny Leong MP, Member for Newtown and NSW Greens Sex, Sexuality and Gender Identity spokesperson said: “We stand at Taylor Square in the heart of our city, ahead of Mardi Gras and in the middle of Sydney World Pride, remembering the 78ers, and those who took action before them. We stand in solidarity with those who continue to take to the streets demanding equality today.
“While the rainbow flags are flying high across Sydney - we are committed to action - starting with a commitment to end the exceptions, policies and practices that enshrine discrimination in our laws and enable harmful practices in our communities.
“The time for excuses, delays, consultation and inquiries is over.
“The Greens have had enough of the empty promises that reviews will be undertaken or changes made, that’s why today we are putting the next parliament on notice, that we will be introducing a bill to remove exceptions that allow religious bodies to lawfully discriminate within the first 100 days.
“For too long Liberal and Labor have talked about reviews of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act - and while this would be very welcome and is long overdue - we cannot wait for this ‘somewhere over the rainbow’ time in the future when right now, every day religious bodies are allowed to engage in harmful discriminatory practices against LGBTIQA+ people.
“Any form of discrimination in law, in education, in hospitals, in community services or in workplaces is unacceptable, and the exceptions for religious bodies, private education authorities and small businesses in our anti-discrimination laws have gone unchallenged for far too long.
“The Greens welcome the multi-partisan commitment to end harmful conversion practices, but we know that there is still so much more to do, particularly when it comes to protecting and supporting trans and gender diverse young people.
“As we celebrate Sydney World Pride, it is critical that we use this momentum to achieve real reforms and change in our society - that means not just flying the rainbow flag but by taking the critical steps towards achieving full equality and dignity for all LGBTIQA+ people in NSW,” Jenny said.
The Greens full plan for rainbow rights and equality here: Supporting LGBTIQA+ Equality | Greens NSW