This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
Retiring federal Labor MP Graham Perrett, who represents the Queensland seat of Moreton, has urged MPs to stand up to “bullies” targeting the trans community.
The long-time LGBTQIA+ ally won the seat for Labor in 2007. After almost two decades as a federal MP, last August Graham announced his retirement at the upcoming federal election.
On Monday, he delivered his valedictory speech in the House of Representatives. In it, Graham Perrett reflected on his time in parliament, including his LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
In 2010, Graham was a founding co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of LGBTQIA+ Australians group.
He co-created the cross-party group with colleagues like Nationals MP and fellow Queenslander Warren Entsch, out Labor colleague Louise Pratt and Greens Senators Sarah Hanson-Young and Janet Rice.
As part of that group, Graham lobbied to get marriage equality passed through the federal parliament.
In more recent years, he and his colleagues have delivered speeches in support of the rights of the trans and gender-diverse community.
Transphobes urged to ‘leave the cult’
He pleaded for all MPs to stand up to the “bullies and fascists” targeting the trans community, and get “ready for US-style attacks directed” at them.
“In Queensland, in fact, some might say those attacks are already here,” he said. (Last month, the Queensland LNP government caused havoc with a ban on youth gender care.)
Graham warned, “Bullies and fascists always seek small groups to target. They are not alone in seeking out the trans community in this way, trying to turn real people into an ‘other’.
“Remember that Jesus Christ is no weathervane. He loves all people always, not some people sometimes.
“If some politicians have become obsessed with how kids go to the loo, maybe it is time to leave the cult and go see a therapist.
“Dehumanising due to differences is a pathway to hell. It hollows out communities wherever it occurs, everywhere from Yeppen to Yeppoon.”
“Sometimes bathrooms, pronouns and flags are merely political dead cats to distract from 34 criminal indictments or a nuclear policy with all the structural integrity of wet cardboard.”
Graham Perrett added, “Nevertheless, such attacks can be dangerous for people. An ABS study found that nearly thirty per cent of trans Australians have experienced suicidal thoughts. Suicidal ideation due to gender dysphoria is real.
“If you let politicians determine private health matters, kids will die. The young trans community needs kindness, courage and champions working for them right here under the big flag because this building belongs to all Australians.
“Good people don’t ever let bullies win elections by targeting the vulnerable. I know that the Parliamentary Friends of LGBTQIA+ Australians will never let caring become a crime.”
PM’s tribute to ‘much-loved’ colleague Graham Perrett
Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Graham on Monday, telling the Queenslander he is “much loved and respected across the parliament”.
“Whatever the issue is before the House, it’s always worth listening to the member for Moreton’s contributions to debate both for their substance and the way they are presented with humour, insight and, importantly, heart,” he said.
“Graham has been an extraordinary colleague for a long period of time… We’ll miss your company here. But we will treasure your friendship forever.”
Graham Perrett’s successor in his Queensland seat is Julie-Ann Campbell. She’ll run for Labor in the seat of Moreton at the next election.
The Albanese government hasn’t confirmed the date of the next election. However the poll must be held before May.
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