Sexuality

Same-sex marriage bill 2013: Introduction and first reading

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Fri, 21/02/2014 - 14:59

Introduction and First Reading
Bill introduced, on motion by Hon Lynn MacLaren, and read a first time.
Second Reading
HON LYNN MacLAREN (South Metropolitan) [10.19 am]: I move —
That the bill be now read a second time. Read more »

Same-sex marriage bill in WA reaches first milestone

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Tue, 18/02/2014 - 17:02

Media statement, Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Same-sex marriage has cleared its first hurdle in West Australian Parliament today with the President ruling not to withdraw the Same-Sex Marriage Bill introduced by Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren late last year.

“The ruling means that the state can properly consider adopting same-sex marriage, if successful WA will become the first Australian state to pass same-sex marriage legislation that is better built to resist a High Court challenge”, explained Ms MacLaren.
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Greens say WA can be next after Scottish pass same-sex marriage laws

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Wed, 05/02/2014 - 11:42

 Media statement, Wednesday, 5 February 2014.

Scotland became the latest nation to embrace same sex marriage yesterday joining Commonwealth nations including New Zealand, Canada, the UK, South Africa and another 12 countries globally where love is now equal. The Greens say Australia should stop watching from the sidelines and step up to take our place in the evolution of marriage.

Greens MP Ms Lynn MacLaren hopes that WA State MPs recognise Scotland’s legislation as more evidence of ‘an overwhelming change in perspective sweeping through the Western world’.
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MacLaren questions Mental Health Minister on services for transgender people

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Fri, 22/11/2013 - 15:41

Media statement, Friday 22 November, 2013.

Greens MLC Ms Lynn MacLaren last night in Parliament reminded the Minister for Mental Health about the recent Transgender Day of Remembrance whilst asking questions about services in the state for the minority group.

“What’s most concerning is that although the Minister stated that crisis services, the mental health system and general services are all inclusive of the trans* community, in many instance they are not,” said Ms MacLaren.
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Greens welcome ALP to marriage equality debate

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Mon, 18/11/2013 - 12:23

Better late than never - Greens welcome ALP to marriage equality debate 

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren has congratulated the ALP for announcing it will introduce State-based legislation next year to support same sex marriage but said the Bill could be introduced earlier than that.

“It is good to see the ALP saying they will introduce State-based laws to enable to same sex marriage, which supports the Greens’ leadership at  Federal level to provide marriage equality for all, including same-sex and transgender couples,” Ms MacLaren said. Read more »

Transgender Day of Remembrance - A time to reflect and raise awareness

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Fri, 08/11/2013 - 11:16

November 20th marks the Transgender Day of Remembrance, where we pay tribute to members of the trans* community that have died at the hands of transphobia and hate.

This day gives us all the opportunity to highlight the day to day struggles of the trans* community around the world, who face discrimination for their gender diversity daily. Hatred and bigotry is something we must fight against through awareness and education.

The day was established in November to honour Rita Hurster, whose murder in November of 1998 started “Remembering our Dead” as well as a candle-light vigil. We honour Rita and others that have suffered death at the hands of prejudice.

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Greens MLC congratulates ACT marriage equality

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Wed, 23/10/2013 - 15:10


Media statement, Wednesday, 23 October, 2013.

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren has congratulated the ACT for kick starting state and territory marriage equality on such a positive note, with the ACT yesterday successfully becoming the first territory to legislate same sex marriage.

“This is a historical moment that we should all be very, very proud of”, explained Ms MacLaren, who is keen to re-introduce a similar bill this year in WA.

“I was excited to introduce a bill for marriage equality last year; I’m excited to re-introduce it this year. With momentum building for marriage equality across the globe, WA can’t afford to be left behind”.

“This historic achievement of the ACT will motivate all the states fighting to make it legal, finally same-sex couples will be entitled to the same rights as everybody else”.
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Greens member promises to follow ACT with state marriage equality bill

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Thu, 19/09/2013 - 10:50

Media statement, Thursday, 19 September, 2013.

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren has welcomed the introduction of a state marriage equality bill in the ACT today, the first of bills across the country that will be pushed through at a state level as Liberal leadership makes no promises to push for equality federally. 

“With state marriage equality now deemed completely constitutional by a recent NSW parliamentary report, there is nothing halting this push for equality across the states”, explained Ms MacLaren.
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Voters surge in high numbers for marriage equality and pro-choice rights

Submitted by Nadine Walker on Thu, 29/08/2013 - 16:12

Media statement, Thursday, 29 August 2013.

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren says it comes as no surprise that most voters are inclined to vote for marriage equality, with ABC’s Compass Poll indicating that 52% of voters disagree with marriage being solely between a man and a woman.
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Greens MLC Encouraged by NSW Inquiry’s Green Light for Same Sex Marriage

Submitted by Shane Guthrie on Fri, 26/07/2013 - 15:36

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren welcomed today’s findings from a NSW parliamentary inquiry saying that same-sex marriage in Western Australia is one step closer.
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