The following political statement has been supplied by Dr Hsiang-Han Hsieh who is running as a candidate for Oakleigh District in the 2022 Victorian State Government election.
Aleph Melbourne will endorse all political candidates who unconditionally support equal rights for LGBTIQ+ Jews and whose values align with ours.
My name is Hsiang (pronouns he/him), and I am the Greens candidate for the Oakleigh district.
I am proud gay/queer person of color, working as a doctor in mental health, and living with my partner in Oakleigh.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual (LGBTIQA+) people continue to face discrimination across multiple areas of our lives. As a result, our community is disproportionately affected with poor health, mental health, and social wellbeing.
The Greens have always championed the rights of LGBTIQA+ people, even before any other party did. The Greens plan includes:
- An “Equality Bill” for Victoria, which strengthens the Equal Opportunity Act, strengthens the powers of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, expands anti-vilification laws, and more.
- A $200 million “Rainbow State Fund” for LGBTIQA+ community-led organisations, which will support initiatives and services such as housing, healthcare, and celebratory events.
- Continuing work with the LGBTIQA+ community to identify further areas of reform, including adoption, assisted reproductive treatment and surrogacy, to make sure that our laws protect everyone.
Our laws should protect all LGBTIQA+ people from discrimation and harm, across all areas of our lives. We should all feel safe and have equal opportunities in life, no matter our sexuality, gender identity or sex characteristics.
Please refer to our policy announcement here: Greater protections for LGBTIQA+ communities under Greens plan | Australian Greens Victoria
And here’s the Greens’ wider policy regarding LGBTQIA+ issues: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Policy | Australian Greens Victoria
