Labor - Sexuality Discrimination Bill - 2006

Labor shadow Attorney General, Nicola Roxon, released a 'Draft Sexuality Discrimination Bill' during 2006, which she planned to introduce as a private member's bill.

It was posted on her website and she asked for comments - we encouraged readers to let her know our views! Salt Shakers opposes the whole Bill which attempts to further normalise homosexuality.

The proposed Bill was in three parts. In the first section, 'discrimination' against people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is outlawed in the areas of employment, education, provision of goods, services, facilities, accommodation, land and clubs.

There are some exemptions for religious bodies but these are limited, referring only to the ordination and education of priests and ministers or those who carry out "religious observance or practice".

The second section related to 'harassment' which is defined as conduct that "offends, humiliates, intimidates, insults or ridicules another person on the basis of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity".

This is a very wide ranging section - and includes similar words that were in the original version of Victoria 's religious tolerance law. The words 'offend, insult, humiliate' are very vague - anyone could claim that they were 'offended' or 'insulted' and it is extremely difficult to prove you didn't do that. These sorts of laws are based on feelings and are totally unacceptable.

The third focus of the Bill was the outlawing of incitement to violence on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. However incitement to violence - for any reason - is already a crime. We do not need to have specific laws that emphasise a particular characteristic.

The 'Draft Sexuality Discrimination Bill 2006' was originally posted on Nicola Roxon's website. See a summary of the Sexuality Discrimination Bill 2006

ACTION:
This proposed bill was not put into parliament.

However, now that Labor has been elected (in Nov 2007) one can expect this sort of legislation to be promoted in the future.

Labor's 'Draft Sexuality Discrimination Bill'
The full draft Bill is attached below. (39 pages)

Summary and Comments - Labor's Draft Sexuality Bill 2006
A summary of the Bill, with comments, is attached below.
(3 pages)