NSW
When will the "Equality" bill be voted on?
At this point in time, the “Equality” bill is scheduled to be voted on by August 16.
The NSW “Equality” Bill was introduced by Alex Greenwich, the independent member for Sydney, on August 29, 2023. At the time the bill was “cognate” with Mr Greenwich’s “Conversion Therapy” bill, which means that they were to be debated and voted on together.
When the Government decided to write their own “Conversion Therapy” legislation, the package of bills was not brought to a vote, and both bills were scheduled to expire at the end of 2023.
At 1:30am on the second last day of Parliament in 2023, Mr Greenwich moved a procedural motion, which was passed by the Parliament, that gave a new life to the “Equality” bill and set a guaranteed vote for 14 March 2024.
On 13 March 2024, a further procedural motion amended the first motion, and changed the wording to:
- Extend the lapsing date for the Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill until 16 August 2024.
- Refer the Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill forthwith to the Legislative Assembly Committee on Community Services for consideration and report, for the purpose of inquiring into:
(a) The provisions of the Bill,
(b) Operational issues for government agencies raised by the Bill,
(c) Additional ways of improving the safety and wellbeing of the LGBTIQA+ community. - The Committee to report by 3 June 2024.
- The resumption of the debate on the second reading of the Bill be restored to its current position on the Business Paper on the tabling of the Committee report.”
The combined faith leaders, along with Freedom for Faith, will be working with the Committee and the Government as a whole to help them understand the significant risks to religious freedom and parental rights posed by this bill.
In the meantime, it is important for MPs to continue to receive letters asking them to reject this terrible bill and its dangerous consequences.
The time to speak up is NOW!
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