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Re-Invigorated Gay & Lesbian Movement

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Tasmanian citizens march in the Sydney Mardis Gras Parade

The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group has backed calls for a re-invigorated national lesbian and gay rights organization in the wake of the Howard Government's re-election for a third term in office.

Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that the new Howard Government poses threats and opportunities which could only be effectively handled by a well resourced organization based in Canberra representing lesbian and gay communities around the country.

"Going on its response to our election survey the next Howard Government could turn out to be the least lgbt friendly Federal Government in a generation, but alternatively, if it is pushed along by strong advocacy and effective lobbying, the new Government could just as easily make significant progress in areas like violence and suicide prevention and foreign policy", Mr. Croome said.

"Which path this Government goes down depends purely and simply on whether our community is committed to sustaining an effective and well resourced national organization that can advocate for our issues on the national stage."

According to Mr. Croome a Canberra-based national organization could also have a major impact on ALP policies.

"When it comes to lesbian and gay rights the Australian Labor Party's policies are years behind those of its sibling social democratic parties in other western countries. A national lesbian and gay organisation could work with Labor to bring its lesbian and gay platform into the twenty first century."

Mr Croome welcomed discussion about how a national lesbian and gay rights organisation could be resourced, but warned that issues of representation are also important.

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Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group

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"A national organisation will only be successful if it ensures fair and equal representation for all states and territories, as well as giving a voice to regional lesbian and gay communities", he said.