Edu-gay-tionTony Abbot says he feels threatened by the gays.Federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, has revealed that he feels “threatened” by homosexuality in an interview with current affairs program 60 Minutes.
The story aired on Sunday night, and when asked about his views on homosexuality, he said, “I’d probably say I feel a bit threatened…”
The Australian Coalition for Equality (ACE) have invited Mr Abbott to meet with ordinary gays and lesbian people to help him overcome his sense of “threat” about homosexuality.
Mr Irlam, from the ACE said “We hope Mr Abbott will take up our invitation so he can overcome feeling threatened by homosexuality”
ACE believe that statements like those of Mr Abbott highlight why Australia needs a national law prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and gender identity.
The Federal Parliament has discussed the issue of legislation to protect Australians from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity on and off since 1997. Equivalent protections exist in all states and territories but the federal human rights framework has yet to include it.
Introduction of such legislative protections were included in recommendations from the National Human Rights Consultation report on same-sex entitlements released in 2009.
Delfin love the pink dollar?Ipswich City Counsellor David Morrison has accused property developer Delfin of trying to “boost sales by targeting the pink dollar.” Councillor Morrison has also stated “that families are best for the growth of a healthy suburb”
Delfin featured a gay couple in a promotional magazine because they were the 10,000th new homeowners in the area.
Having moved from an inner city suburb, the gay couple described Springfield Lakes as a perfect suburb for them.
“Neil and I chose Springfield Lakes because we loved the scenery, the lakes and the walking tracks,” “We also loved the people we met living in the community before we purchased – they were friendly, easygoing and laid-back.”
Unfortunately it seems the couple are not as welcome as they might believe with Councillor Morrison saying that a Springfield Lakes resident with a young family had raised concerns with him.
“I had other residents express similar views to me. My concerns expressed to Delfin were simply passing on concerns that residents had bought to me as their local elected member.” councillor Morrison said.
Washington D.C. to allow gay marrigeWashington D.C. has become the sixth US district to allow same-sex marriage.
Over 120 couples waited outside the city’s town hall last Wednesday, to register to marry.
“It’s like waking up Christmas morning,” said 47-year-old Angelisa Young. “It’s really like a dream come true,” says Young of the recent supreme court decision that allows her to marry her partner of 12 years.
As a federal district, the same-sex marriage bill for Washington D.C. needed congressional approval. Congress approved the bill on Tuesday evening.
Wedding bells won’t start ringing until next Tuesday (that’s today), however, as there is a three day waiting period before registrations to marry can be approved.
A U.C.L.A. study estimates same sex marriage will bring over $52 million dollars into the capital annually.
Gay or Anti Gay?US Senator Roy Asburn has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence after leaving a gay nightclub.
Senator Asburn, was driving from the bar with a male passenger in the car at the time of the traffic infringement.
Senator Asburn has a history of voting against every gay rights law put past the State Senate, including things like Recognising Out-Of-State Same-Sex Marriages and Expanding Anti-Discrimination Laws.
“I am deeply sorry for my actions and offer no excuse for my poor judgement,” Senator Ashburn said in a released statement.
Later, in a radio interview he conceded, “I am gay ... those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long”
He said he does not plan to run for any public office after his term ends later this year.
Upcoming EventsEqual Love Fundraising Exhibition + Location ~ Tenth Muse, 365 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, 3065
+ Date ~ Friday 5th March, 6:30pm to Saturday 3rd April, 9:30pm
EQUAL LOVE Fundraising Exhibition
by Ali Hogg
Same Same’s very own photographer extraordinaire combines her love of activism and photography, exhibiting some of her photographs which she has taken since the ban on same sex marriage was introduced federally in 2004.
As well as being seen around Melbourne’s gay and lesbian bars and club scene perhaps having taken your photo once or twice, she is also the public officer of the the Melbourne same sex marriage campaign group Equal Love.
Her work will be for sale as a fundraiser for the equal love campaign for same sex marriage rights.
Large works on display, 50% of proceeds will go to equal love and smaller prints will be available for very affordable prices with 100% of proceeds going towards the campaign.
WHERE:
Tenth Muse
365 Brunswick st, Fitzroy
WHEN:
Wednesday March 3rd – April 3rd 2010
+ Audience ~ Over 18's only
Minus 18's Cirus WorkshopSunday March 21st, in the city.
RSVP quickly! There are only 20 places available.
Minus 18's Same Sex FormalApril 17th 5.30 - 10.30. It's a 3 course dinner with drinks and a special gift for everyone who attends.
Tickets from $35, full details at
minus 18.
