Candidate statement: Faith Fuhrer – Animal Justice Party for Hawthorn

Dear Michael, 

Thank you for your email and the opportunity to submit my official stance on the LGBTQIA+ community. 

The core values of the Animal Justice Party are kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence. At the heart of this is the creation of safe spaces for all human and non-human animals. 

My personal values are unconditionally the same. I will support and prioritise the LGBTQIA+ youth voice if elected, and work to ensure that the incredible diversity of humankind is protected and celebrated (as well as that of animalkind!). I assert that more LGBTQIA+ safe spaces are needed throughout Victoria, including in the District of Hawthorn. 

Advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community is also a priority for our current MP, Andy Meddick. We do recognise that there’s more work to be done, and the Animal Justice Party asserts that: 

• Gender and sexuality equality is a fundamental human right and that the health, safety and wellbeing of women, girls and gender-diverse people is paramount. 
• Reforms are essential to address the causes of gender and sexuality inequality and to protect people against gender and sexuality-based violence. 
• Women and gender-diverse people must be supported, encouraged and empowered to be present and/or prominent in all areas of society, including politics. 
• Everyone must be supported in informed decision-making with respect to gender and sexual identity. 
• There must be zero tolerance of sexism, homophobia, queerphobia, transphobia, misogyny and any type of violence (including gender and sexuality-based violence) and we must work toward gender and sexuality equality and respect in all areas of society. 
• Gender-inclusive language should be used.

Sincerely, 
Faith Fuhrer
Hawthorn Candidate 
Animal Justice Party