Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators Wong, Smith and Rice, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) recognises that:

  (i) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people face discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and identity,

  (ii) LGBTIQ people everywhere deserve to live in safe and inclusive societies, and

  (iii) Australian society embraces diversity, ensuring that LGBTIQ people are safe, valued and respected;

(b) notes:

  (i) that Australian Governments of both persuasions have sought to promote and protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer human rights in Australia and internationally, and

  (ii) the ongoing and urgent challenges facing the protection of LGBTIQ human rights; and

(c) urges all parliamentarians to unreservedly commit to protecting the rights of LGBTIQ people and communities globally.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Human rights extend to every individual. The coalition government is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all Australians regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or ability. As part of this commitment, the government has appointed Philip Ruddock to examine whether Australian law adequately protects the human right to religious freedom. There is consensus across the parliament to ensure religious freedoms are protected, and this will be a timely expert stocktake to inform consideration of any necessary legislative reforms.

Question agreed to.