Amnesty ACT/SNSW LGBTQ Forum and Vigil Receives 100 Attendees, actsnsw, Amnesty International Australia

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Amnesty ACT/SNSW LGBTQ Forum and Vigil Receives 100 Attendees

Published on 6/08/2009
Regional Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Network (ACT/Southern NSW)

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Amnesty ACT/SNSW Volunteers and LGBTQ Activists with Community Campaigner Bede Carmody (Centre)

Speaker David West from the ANU discussed the history of the gay rights movement and how it fits into a broader conception of engaged politics. He highlighted the importance of forming alliances that across different groups and drew on examples from the Gay Liberation Movement.

Bede Carmody from Amnesty International informed participants about abuses of gay rights abroad. In seven countries globally, homosexuality is punishable by death. In around 80 countries homosexuality is also illegal, with punishments ranging from imprisonment, fines and torture. Bede also discussed Amnesty’s work on gay rights and drew attention to the importance of recognising gay rights as human rights.

David Mills from the AIDs’ Action Council addressed the situation at home. He also drew links between AIDs and human rights.

The event was attended by around 100 students and members of the community.

The event was held in conjunction with Queer Collaborations, the National Queer Student Conference. A follow up workshop was held the following day for students interested in becoming more involved in Amnesty LGBTQ Networks.

The organisers would like to thank both the speakers and attendees.