Free Republic

Rights lobby kicks off election campaign By Stacy Farrah The State’s political parties will be quizzed about their commitment to gay and lesbian rights in the lead-up to next year’s NSW state election. The election may still be months away, but the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby is already investigating which candidates will support four key areas of reform. Co-convenor Somali Ghosh said the Lobby would pressure parties to secure commitments to an equal age of consent for everyone, recognition of gay and lesbian parents and changes to the way the Anti-Discrimination Act allows churches and private schools to...

Consent bill passes upper house By Jim Hanna May 27, 2003 THE age of consent for homosexual males in NSW is set to be lowered to 16 years, after a historic conscience vote in the State's Upper House tonight. At 9.24pm (AEST), the Legislative Council voted 23 to 16 to pass the bill and establish a uniform age of consent of 16 years in NSW, generating cheers and applause from a packed public gallery. Four Labor MLCs - Tony Burke, Tony Catanzariti, Tony Kelly and Eddie Obeid - voted against the bill, while two Labor MLCs - John Hatzistergos and...