Gay & Lesbian
While much has been achieved, the battle for justice and equality continues for gay, lesbian, transgendered, queer and bi-sexual members of our community.
I am committed to consulting and working with the community to fight prejudice, inequality and violence.
As State MP, I am your voice in Parliament, challenging inaction and pushing for full legal recognition of same sex relationships and adoption rights. The City of Sydney provides leadership on GLBTQ issues through active support for the annual Mardi Gras parade, community organisations, and vital safety and social programs.
In 2004, the City of Sydney launched an enhanced Relationships Declaration Program to support same-sex relationships. My landmark "Significant Personal Relationships Bill", while not adopted in NSW, has provided a model for other Australian states.
The City's $24 million Oxford Street upgrade was completed in time for the 2006 Mardi Gras parade and we are committed to continuing the street's revitalisation. The City is upgrading its properties to strengthen the retail activities of the strip.
I want to ensure that Oxford Street is safe and gay-friendly. The City has formed partnerships to tackle street safety and reduce violence and homophobic behaviour. Our Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual Project Co-ordinator has been working with ACON's Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project.
As State MP, I work for an active police presence on Oxford Street, with adequate staffing levels at the Surry Hills Local Area Command to respond to homophobic violence, provide high visibility policing and respond to alcohol-related crime.
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Adoption Rights for Same-Sex Couples
Coming Out for Mardi Gras Since 1986
More Than Two Decades of Support
Same Sex Marriage Submission (3/08/2009)
Barriers to Fair Treatment for Gay Men and Lesbians: Letter from Attorney General (14/06/2005)
Gay Law Reform (11/04/2005)
Reform of the Anti Discrimination Act: Letter from Attorney Genral (23/06/2004)
Gay Law Reform Required (3/02/2004)
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Recent related information:
Say Something: 2011 Mardi Gras Video—Last year, the NSW Parliament finally said something significant for same sex couples. The Parliament said it was ok for same sex couples to adopt children... (5/03/2011)
Happy Mardi Gras!: I am again joining the GLBT community to celebrate the 2011 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. This will be my 25th year-I first judged the parade... (4/03/2011)
Harbour City Bears Art Space: Monstrosity Gallery, Woolloomooloo—Thank you, Cory Thomas, MC and hello, everyone. I would like firstly to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation... (21/02/2011)
Doggywood Launch Mardi Gras Fair Day: Victoria Park—Hello, everyone, welcome to one of my favourite Mardi Gras events. I’d like firstly to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation... (20/02/2011)
Our Families Photo Booth opening - Mardi Gras Fair Day: Victoria Park—Hello everyone. I’d like firstly to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land, and I pay my respects to the Elders... (20/02/2011)
Mardi Gras Fair Day Launch: Victoria Park—Thank you, and hello, everyone. Happy Mardi Gras! I would like firstly to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land... (20/02/2011)
Rainbow Flag Raising: Town Hall Steps—Thank you, Rod, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to our flag-raising ceremony for Mardi Gras 2011. I’d like firstly to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation... (18/02/2011)
Support for Mardi Gras: The annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebrations are a highlight in my calendar. Yesterday morning I again raised the Rainbow Flag at Town Hall to mark the beginning of Mardi Gras... (18/02/2011)
Join me for Mardi Gras: It's Mardi Gras season again, and I invite you to join me in showing support for equal rights and acceptance of all people, regardless of gender and sexuality... (4/02/2011)
State News 60, February 2011: My focus for the past term as Member for Sydney was to keep inner city issues on the parliamentary agenda, such as our environment and sustainable living... (1/02/2011)
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