Anti-Discrimination (Hetrosexual Discrimination) Amendment Bill 2002
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I preface my remarks on the Anti-Discrimination (Heterosexual Discrimination) Amendment Bill by indicating how much I appreciate the support of honourable members of the House in guiding me on the many matters on which I need some guidance. The purpose of this bill is to make it unlawful to discriminate against heterosexuals on the grounds of their heterosexuality. The problem has arisen that public policy has been placed into legislation by exception. In order to protect the rights of various groups of people on the grounds of race, sexuality, marital status, age, gender and the like, legislation has never been introduced to preserve the rights of heterosexuals.
The Christian Democratic Party does not believe anyone should be discriminated against on the grounds of their sexuality, and that not only specifically applies to people who are gay and lesbian, but to those who are transgender, transvestite, bisexual or even in transition. The Christian Democratic Party appreciates that the Anti-Discrimination Act was designed to protect minorities, but this does not include heterosexuals. The inclusion of a provision that there should be no discrimination on the grounds of sexuality—whatever its form or variation—should be supported by all members of this House.
The Opposition has foreshadowed amendments to the bill, which would give effect to the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission 1999 report No. 92 entitled “Review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (New South Wales)”. Recommendation 36 of the report recommends that the term “sexuality” be used as a ground of discrimination. This term would include heterosexuality, homosexuality, lesbianism and bisexuality. These amendments would bring New South Wales anti-discrimination law into line with the laws of four other Australian States and the Territories that provide universal coverage.
The Christian Democratic Party accepts the amendments on the grounds that no person in society should be discriminated against because of their sexuality. I support the Hon. Don Harwin’s comments in the Legislative Council with regard to the Opposition amendments. I strongly urge honourable members to support the bill at the second reading vote, so we can debate the proposed Opposition amendments. These proposals will make anti-discrimination law in New South Wales fair and equitable for all citizens. Honourable members obviously reserve their right to vote against the third reading if they still oppose the amended bill. We commend the bill to the House.