DIGS launch

DIGS launch

Last Sunday I was honoured to be a guest speaker, alongside the Member for Brisbane Central Rob Cavallucci and Greens candidate for the Federal seat of Brisbane Rachel Jacobs at the launch of a new community organisation, DIGS. DIGS stands for Diversity in Gender and Sexuality, and is named that way to avoid the alphabet soup that we have seen for so long with LGBTIQ. It is an organisation intended to be non-partisan, and to campaign for equality for LGBTIQ people.

When I spoke, I said how I had helped the then Queensland Association for Gay and Lesbian Law Reform (QAGLR) in drafting, advice and training and that in 1990 it didn’t look like there would be much law reform happening. Then one day there was but a glimmer- an industrial award which recognised a same sex relationship. Then followed the flood- 1992 changes in Queensland when almost all State based discriminatory laws went. Similar changes happened Federally in 2008/2009.

Unfortunately, true equality is still not there. There are still laws that discriminate against those in LGBTIQ relationships- the most prominent one of which was that of marriage.

Both Rob Cavallucci and Rachel Jacobs spoke passionately. Cavallucci spoke about how in Italian heritage he had been to many big weddings, and that it was just plain wrong not to allow people to marry, based on their sexuality and gender. Jacobs said that it was a sign of our society that our laws are such that they do not allow same sex couples to marry- one of the most fundamental rights that we take for granted.

Probably the most surprising speaker was an impromptu speaker, Jenner Cram. Cram is a civil celebrant. She said that there had been a fundamental shift in society as to  the attitude of gay marriage, and that politicians as a general rule were out of touch. Fully two thirds of those heterosexual couples seeking her services to get married take objection to the required words of the Marriage Act being said- namely the union of one man and one woman- and raise it with her first! And the reason for their objection- because gay and lesbian people cannot marry. As they say to Jennifer- why should the law be unfair?

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

A Call for National Reform: Stephen Page’s Submission on Surrogacy to the ALRC

Australia’s surrogacy laws remain inconsistent and outdated, varying widely between states and lacking a unified, national approach. In response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review, renowned family and fertility lawyer Stephen Page has submitted a detailed and passionate proposal for reform.

What You Need to Know About Separation & Divorce

Contemplating separation or divorce can be one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences in life. If you find yourself at this crossroads, it’s vital to approach the situation with foresight and preparation.

Should You Go to Iran for Surrogacy?

When it comes to surrogacy destinations, Iran is probably not the first country that springs to mind. Yet, surprisingly, Iran’s surrogacy laws share some striking similarities with those of California—a state known for its progressive and clear legal framework on assisted reproduction.

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board