Australian Labor Party appoint first Shadow Minister for Equality

Australia’s Labor Party have appointed their first ever Shadow Minister for Equality, according to The Star Observer.

Speaking to the Australian paper, Terri Butler, who will take on the role, which includes responsibility for LGBT issues, said: “I’m proud that for the first time the nation’s alternative government has a role focused on addressing discrimination and disadvantage for LGBTI people.

“I hope that one of the consequences of having a role like this in the nation’s shadow executive will be to reduce marginalisation and disadvantage, and for the LGBTI community’s needs to be considered in the course of lawmaking and government.”

https://twitter.com/terrimbutler/status/756799751908044800

The ruling party, the socially conservative Liberal party, currently want to hold a referendum on equal marriage. This has been opposed by the Labor party, who would instead prefer a Parliamentary vote on the matter.

“Obviously I’d like to see marriage equality become a reality in this country”, Butler said of the situation.

“If parliamentarians were allowed to do their job and legislate we could get this done before the end of the year.

“Beyond that, there are so many priorities if as a nation we want to stop discrimination and vilification, and build a society which is inclusive and safe.”

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