May 19, 2008

International Day Against Homophobia has special significance in Australia

This year, the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHo), May 17, 2008, has special significance for everyone in Australia.

“This is a historic year for Australia, with the federal government committing to implement the recommendations of HREOC’s Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report to change the 58 financial and work-related federal laws that discriminate against gay and lesbian couples and their children, as well as to change around 40 additional discriminatory laws,” said Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes.

“With the amendment of approximately 100 federal laws to provide equality for gay and lesbian people in Australia forming part of the Federal Budget announcements this week, IDAHo has taken on a very special significance this year.

“I commend the federal government for taking this major step forward in ending discrimination against same-sex attracted people, and sending the message that homophobia is not defensible,” said Mr Innes.

Every year IDAHo is held on May 17, the date in 1990 on which the World Health Organisation endorsed the intention to remove homosexuality from its official list of mental illnesses. This withdrawal was made official in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) in 1992.

IDAHo symbolises the need to end discrimination, violence and criminalisation based on sexual orientation around the world.

Internationally, there are still around 85 member states of the United Nations that consider homosexuality to be a criminal act. A small number of these countries carry the death penalty as punishment.

“While same-sex attracted people are made to feel different or are stigmatised or discriminated against, whether it be because of laws or attitudes, we have a situation in which homophobia is given room to exist,” said Commissioner Innes.

“I continue to hear stories of discrimination and homophobia in the workplace, and in accessing health care and aged care,” Mr Innes said. “Taking steps to eradicate homophobia — and there are many more steps to be taken in Australia — means we are working to promote an environment in which we can more effectively address discrimination and violence against gay and lesbian people and their children.”

Commissioner Innes said that activities held around the world and in Australia as part of IDAHo are an opportunity to both raise awareness of homophobic issues that negatively impact upon the lives of a large number of people, as well as to showcase successful initiatives in which positive change has been achieved.

For more information about homophobia in Australia see www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/gay_lesbian/stories.html