2016-03-16
The Australian Greens are calling for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to stand up to the conservative backbenchers trying to derail and discredit the vital work of the Safe Schools Coalition.
"The lives of LGBTI young people are on the line here. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull needs to draw a line in the sand - he can't throw LGBTI kids under the bus just to ensure he maintains power," Greens sexuality spokesperson Senator Robert Simms said.
"It's time for Mr Turnbull to stand for something and protecting LGBTI young people is a good first step."
"The Safe Schools Coalition is directly addressing the discrimination that sees one in five transgender young people experience physical abuse and one in three consider suicide," Greens gender identity spokesperson Senator Janet Rice said.
"If there was ever a time for the Prime Minister to stand up to his backbench, it is right now for this program proven to saves lives."
Media contact:Senator Simms - Amy Moran 0417 173 508Senator Rice - Sam Drummond 0400 352 935