MEDIA RELEASE: Young Victorians call for marriage equality in Australia’s first LGBT youth summit
Alec Webley
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Young Victorians call for marriage equality in Australia’s first LGBT youth summit
Over 150 Victorian secondary students unanimously adopted a declaration calling on the Australian governments and UN member nations to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people at the United Nations Youth Human Rights Summit on LGBT rights in Melbourne on May 16.
On the eve of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the summit aimed to empower attendees to fight for LGBT rights at home and abroad.
The Summit was opened by former High Court Justice the Hon. Michael Kirby, along with key figures from 11 thought-leading organisations including It Gets Better, the Human Rights Law Centre and the United States Consulate.
Justice Kirby, opening the summit, praised the courage of the attendees, comparing it to the courage of Nicholas Toonen, who took the state of Tasmania to the United Nations Human Rights Committee for its anti-homosexual laws and won.
By the end of the day, delegates had drafted and approved a comprehensive Youth Resolution calling for action in more than 50 areas of LGBT rights from both Australia and other countries.
The Youth Resolution paid particular attention to the struggles of LGBT young people as well as Australia's current equal marriage debate.
Adam Pulford,
the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, accepted the
declaration, pledging to make use of it when representing young people at the United
Nations General Assembly later this year.
Mr. Pulford’s consultation tour of Australia's young people, launched last week, continues next week with a road trip through the Northern Territory.
The Youth Resolution will also be sent to every Federal MP and candidate for Federal Parliament in the upcoming election.
The Summit was
organised by UN Youth Australia in collaboration with Minus18, ItGetsBetter
Australia, Rainbow Network Victoria, WayOut, and the Safe Schools Coalition
Victoria. The event was proudly sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills.
Media Contact
Alec Webley
Summit Convenor
0418 995 412
Further Notes for Editors:
1. The Summit took place in the University of Melbourne Union from 9am to 6pm on May 16.
2. Copies of the youth resolution written by the students are available at http://www.unyouth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/UN-Youth-Human-Rights-Summit-2013-Youth-Resolution.pdf. It is also attached to this email.
3. UN
Youth Australia is a youth-led, youth-run volunteer organisation dedicated to
opening young eyes to the world. It engages more than 10,000 young people each
year through educational and advocacy programs.