Federal moves on anti-gay laws `disappointing'

By Leon Harrison

PERTH -- Federal legislation intended to override Tasmania's anti-gay legislation and possibly WA's laws has been described as disappointing by gay activists in both states as well as by representatives of the Greens (WA) and the Australian Democrats.

Activists say that the legislation will only come into force after the privacy of individuals has already been invaded. State governments will still be able to charge gay men, although individuals charged will be able to fight the charges in court.

“The advice that the Greens (WA) have received indicates that the parliament can enact legislation to ensure that there is equality before the law for lesbians and homosexuals”, Greens (WA) Senator Christabel Chamarette said.

Senator Sid Spindler, Australian Democrats spokesperson on law and justice, also expressed disappointment at the federal government's unwillingness to tackle the issue of equal rights for gays and lesbians through comprehensive legislation to prohibit discrimination on grounds of sexuality.

The federal legislation as outlined will probably override WA's age of consent law for gays which is set at 21 years. But without anti-discrimination legislation on sexual orientation and an effective community education against homophobia, the legislation will have limited impact.

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