Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Hanson-Young, I move:

That the Senate condemns the Indian Supreme Court's decision to outlaw homosexual acts, which could see people jailed for up to 10 years because of their sexuality.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government believes that all people are entitled to respect, dignity and legal protection, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender entity. We condemn discrimination on these grounds, particularly violence, intimidation or harassment of LGBTI persons or communities. The Australian government advocates strongly for non-discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, in all fora, including in the UN Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly.

The government respects the independence of the Indian judiciary and the sovereignty of the Indian government. For that reason we cannot support a motion that denigrates the institutions of our friends in democratic India.

The Australian government engages broadly with India in a constructive manner on human rights, including on LGBTI issues. I note calls by Indian members of parliament to introduce legislation to repeal section 377 of the Indian penal code and to decriminalise homosexual acts. The Australian High Commission in New Delhi will continue to monitor the issue closely.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Siewert be agreed to.

Question agreed to.