MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 3 August, 2010
Tim Neal makes a stand for equality.
Tasmanian Democrats Senate hopeful, Tim Neal, made a frank and open stand for sexual equality at a Tasmanian GLBTI (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) forum in Hobart this evening.
The forum had an array of speakers from various political parties, Cameron Simpkins (Liberal), Jonathan Jackson (Labor), Andrew Wilkie (Independent), Mel Barnes (Socialist Alliance), Christine Milne (Greens), and Democrats Candidate, Mr. Neal.
Mr. Neal spoke from a personal point of view, “I’m a gay man. I know what its like to come out in a small town. I grew up in a town of just over 3000 people. I come to you tonight as someone who wants and needs to make a difference.”
Mr. Neal attacked current legislation that impacts on the day-to-day lives of many citizens, stating that, “As it stands in Australia, there is government legislated discrimination.” Mr. Neal refused to ponder on the negatives, and looked to a future where all Australians would be protected, “We will legislate to protect against every form of discrimination.”
Mr. Neal’s message to the Tasmanian GLBTI community was succinct, and poignant, “The GLBTI community deserves the same equal rights that the majority of Australians currently enjoy.”
Mr. Neal also pointed out that there is a major crisis amongst young members of the GLBTI community in Australia, “It has long been known that men and women during the coming out period are more likely to attempt suicide.” Tim then added, “Currently its estimated that approximately 25% of gay youth will attempt suicide between the ages of 16-24.” Mr. Neal again showcased that The Democrats were the party to suggest solutions to issues, rather than to merely attack opposition views, “By creating bigger and better support networks, by increasing awareness of the issues facing the youth and by removing the stigma associated with identifying as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex.“
In a refreshing break from the major Party’s anti-same sex marriage legislation, Liberal Party candidate, Cameron Simpkins, stated that he would go so far as to cross-the-floor if necessary in order to vote for same sex marriage legislation. Mr. Neal was particularly impressed with Mr. Simpkins’ announcement, and hopes that Mr. Simpkins will continue to stand up for same sex marriage if elected.
In another unusual turn of events, when questioned by Mr. Neal if The Greens would uphold LGBTI principles (and not fall to the temptation of passing other legislation at the expense of those principles), if they [The Greens] were to enter a power sharing agreement with one of the major parties (if The Greens hold the balance of power in The Senate after the election), Christine Milne would not confirm such a commitment. Mr. Neal called on The Greens to state their intentions on the matter, “The Greens need to commit to GLBTI principles, regardless of outside pressures, if they truly believe in these principles.” It remains to be seen whether The Greens will now state their stance on this issue before election day.
Tasmanian Democrats Senate candidates, Paulene Hutton and Tim Neal will be present and in support of The National Day of Action on Marriage Equality Rally, 1pm, Saturday August 14th, Tasmanian Parliament House Lawn, Hobart.
Tim Neal will also be on Edge 93.3 FM Radio, Hobart between 7.30 and 8.00 am, Friday August 6.
Great to see the democrats are now elevated to begging for policy commitments from their green masters.
Beau – Good to see the Climate Sceptics are now elevated to flinging their poo at others instead of simply eating it.