PRESS RELEASE
Monday, 8 June 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Darwin, Northern Territory
Equality before the law matters
Rainbow Territory is a group that advocates for the human rights of Northern Territorians who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ).
Rainbow Territory acknowledges Ms Natasha Griggs MP, David Tollner MLA and John Elferink MLA’s recent public announcements of their support for marriage equality.
The group commends Ms Griggs for conducting a marriage equality poll of her electorate. Her change of position parallels the strong support for marriage equality within Darwin and Palmerston.
“Griggs’ change is a positive step for equality. Rainbow Territory hopes that Tollner and Elferink’s support for equality under federal law will extend to equality under Territory law. As it stands LGBTIQ Territorians face ongoing discrimination in employment, adoption and other areas” said Rainbow Territory member, Jane Black.
Marriage equality is an important and positive step for LGBTIQ law reform. It is just one of the changes in Australian law that Rainbow Territory is calling for.
“When community leaders declare their support for marriage equality for LGBTIQ people, it sends a message to society that inequality is no longer acceptable. This is another step towards ending LGBTIQ discrimination” said Rainbow Territory member, Jane Black.
Even when marriage equality is passed into law in Australia, LGBTIQ Territorians will remain unequal under some Territory laws.
Rainbow Territory are currently analysing the survey results of more than 100 people in relation to the changes to NT legislation and policy that some LGBTIQ Territorians want to see.
LGBTIQ equality before the law can have a flow on effect by contributing to a more positive environment for LGBTIQ people on the streets, in the family home, schools and workplaces.
Rainbow Territory invites the community to unite with the LGBTIQ Territorians by writing letters of support and encouragement to media outlets and our local and federal representatives.
If you would like to get involved in our LGBTIQ law reform campaign contact Rainbow Territory through our website www.outnt.info/rainbowterritory/
We welcome new members from throughout the Territory.