This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
During today’s Parliamentary Question Time, Premier Chris Minns affirmed the New South Wales Government’s support for the LGBTIQA+ Equality Bill, introduced by Independent Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich.
This landmark bill aims to advance equal rights for the LGBTIQA+ community across the state.
Premier’s Commitment to Equality
When asked by Alex Greenwich about the government’s stance on the LGBTIQA+ Equality Bill, Premier Minns expressed his strong support:
“I’m pleased to report to the House that the Government will support the Member for Sydney’s Equality Bill. It is important for New South Wales, and it’s long overdue.”
Chris Minns emphasised the bill’s necessity, highlighting that New South Wales remains the only state where individuals cannot change their government documents without undergoing irreversible surgery—a change long enacted in other Australian jurisdictions.
Bill Provisions and Urgency for Change
Premier Chris Minns outlined several critical provisions in the bill, advocating for its immediate passage. He stated:
“This is a commonsense solution. While it may not contain everything the Member for Sydney has asked for, it is essential that this legislation be supported.”
Minns also discussed the bill’s approach to commercial surrogacy, stressing the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the child. He argued that regardless of personal views on the issue, the law must ensure children have access to parenting orders when it is in their best interest.
Addressing Parliamentary Opposition
During his response, Premier Minns faced several interjections from other members. Speaker Greg Piper warned members of Macquarie and Vaucluse against further interruptions. The Premier called for a transparent and respectful debate, urging all parliamentarians to engage constructively:
“At the end of the day, we must debate and vote on this bill to make real changes.”
Urging Parliament for Immediate Action
Highlighting the urgency of the bill, Minns reiterated the need for government to ensure the legislation’s progression through Parliament:
“If it can’t be debated and put to a vote, nothing changes.”
He acknowledged the anxiety faced by the LGBTIQA+ community over the bill’s delay and called on his fellow parliamentarians to act. The Premier noted that Greenwich’s proposed amendments had been shared with both the Government and the Opposition, yet no response was received from the latter.
Moving Forward
Premier Chris Minns concluded by urging Parliament to support the LGBTIQA+ Equality Bill, emphasising its significance for New South Wales:
“I think it’s time this legislation is passed. It’s important for New South Wales, and I urge Members of Parliament to do just that.”
The bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament later today, with a vote anticipated shortly after that.
Video footage CHRIS MINNS & ALEX GREENWICH – QUESTION TIME – LGBTIQA+ EQUALITY BILL – WEDNESDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2024
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