Category: Politics

Candidate statement: Melissa Lowe – Independent for Hawthorn

The following political statement has been supplied by Melissa Lowe who is running as a candidate for Hawthorn 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.

As the former Manager of Student Equity at Swinburne University, I’ve seen firsthand the economic, social and health consequences of discrimination.

Discrimination damages mental health and denies people the economic and social opportunities to fulfill their full potential. It forces good people to live in hiding – simply due to who they are, or who they love.

I am aghast at the proposal by the Liberal Party to amend the Equal Opportunity Act to re-legalise discrimination against people on grounds of gender or sexuality. It’s time that we see the end of division and discrimination as an election strategy.

Candidate statement: Loraine Fabb – Animal Justice Party for Oakleigh

The following political statement has been supplied by  Loraine Fabb 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.

Good morning, Michael!

Thank you for your email.

Kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence are the core values of the Animal Justice Party.

Our party values and my personal values align very well with the values of equality and dignity at Aleph.

As a party, the Animal Justice Party asserts that:

  • Gender and sexuality equality is a fundamental human right, and the health, safety and wellbeing of women, girls and gender-diverse people are 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 all types 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.
  • Our current MP, Andy Meddick, has been working tirelessly in Parliament to create more LGBTQIA+ safe spaces in Victoria, particularly for the youth community in areas such as Geelong and Ballarat.

I strongly support LGBTQIA+ organisations in our community, and assert that more LGBTQIA+ safe spaces are required throughout Victoria, including in the District of Oakleigh.  If elected, I will support and prioritise the LGBTQIA+ youth voice.

Kind regards,
Loraine Fabb
Oakleigh Candidate 
Animal Justice Party

Candidate statement: Sue Litchfield – Animal Justice Party for Clarinda

The following political statement has been supplied by Sue Litchfield who is running as a candidate for Clarinda 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 Sue Litchfield and I am the Animal Justice Party candidate for the Clarinda electorate.

As you may be aware, Kindness, equality, rationality, and non-violence are the core values of the Animal Justice Party.

Andy Meddick , the Animal Justice Party MP, who is currently elected in the Western Victoria region, has been working to create more LGBTQIA+ safe spaces in Victoria. If elected, I will campaign for more safe spaces in the Clarinda district. I would be honoured to provide a voice to the LGBTQIA+ community in Parliament.

I strongly support LGBTQIA+ organisations in our community and will support and prioritise the LGBTQIA+ voice if elected.

The Animal Justice Party’s policies are as follows:

  • 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 all types 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.

I believe that in a world where we can be anything, we should choose to be kind.

Candidate statement: David Harris – Animal Justice Party for Bentleigh

The following political statement has been supplied by David Harris who is running as a candidate for Bentleigh 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.

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your email regarding the Animal Justice Party’s stance on LGBTIQ+ people & policy.

We are a totally inclusive and progressive party regarding these issues and would strongly advise you to refer to our policy document on our website www.animaljusticeparty.org to see how committed we are towards visibility, acceptance & inclusion of your community.

Our Party is based on the core values of the acronym KERN: Kindness, Equality, Rationality, Non violence

Kind regards David Harris
AJP candidate for Bentleigh

Candidate statement: Nick Savage – Greens candidate for Hawthorn

Nick Savage

The following political statement has been supplied by Nick Savage who is running as a candidate for Hawthorn 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.

As a Greens candidate, I’m proud to stand up for LGBTIQA+ community members. Although the rights and representation of this community have expanded greatly over the last few decades there are still those in power who wish to see these rights repealed, exemplified by Matthew Guy’s discrimination Bill. The Greens and I are committed to fighting against this prejudice in any form it may take.  

Specifically, for the Victorian State election, we will submit an ‘Equality Bill’ to parliament that will strengthen the Equal Opportunity Act to prevent all faith-based schools and organisations from discriminating against LGBTIQA+ students, staff and services users; give the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission stronger powers, including stronger investigatory powers and enforceable determinations; expand anti-vilification laws to protect LGBTIQA+ people and support victims of hate crimes, including by making vilification and public harassment a crime and legislating to make violence motivated by hate a specific criminal offence; ban deferrable medical interventions on children with intersex characteristics and restrict all sex characteristic altering medical treatment on intersex people without personal consent or oversight from an independent expert panel; and protect the important work of the LGBTIQ+ Communities Commissioner and the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce by enshrining them in legislation. 

In addition to this, however, the Greens will also establish a $200 million ‘Rainbow State Fund’ that will help fund community controlled LGBTIQA+ services in key areas of need such as mental health, multicultural and youth services, homelessness and sexual health, and much, much more. As I don’t wish to overload you with too much information, please check out the link below if you’d like to know more about our election platform. 

Nevertheless, I apologise for the block of information I’ve already presented here, but I recognise that we still have a long way to go in supporting LGBTIQA+ communities, and the Greens are committed to building upon the progress that we’ve already made. Everyone should feel safe from discrimination and be able to access support and services that meet their needs. With more Greens in Parliament, we’ll push for comprehensive changes to make this a reality.   

Here is a link to our LGBTIQA+ election platform: greens.org.au/vic/rainbowstateplan

Candidate statement: Sally Gibson – Independent for Brighton

The following political statement has been supplied by Sally Gibson who is running as a candidate for Brighton 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.

Hi Michael.

I am supporting Equality Australia’s 10-point plan for LGBTIQ+ equality. 

I unconditionally support LGBTIQ+ Visibility, inclusion and acceptance.

sallygibson.com.au/platform

Candidate statement: Felicity Frederico – Independent for Brighton

The following political statement has been supplied by Felicity Frederico who is running as a candidate for Brighton 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.

STATEMENT FOR ALEPH MELBOURNE
FROM FELICITY FREDERICO OAM
INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR BRIGHTON ELECTORATE

Equality is one of the cornerstone issues of my campaign as the Community Independent Candidate for Brighton.

I stand in solidarity with the LGBTIQA+ and allied communities in my electorate and in Victoria. 

I pledge to work constructively with these communities should I be elected the MP for Brighton, and will consult with LGBTIQA+ organisations on every question coming before the Victorian Parliament impacting upon their lives. This consultation will include Aleph Melbourne and the Victorian Pride Lobby amongst others.

In particular, I support the Victorian Pride Lobby “Vision For Victoria” statement very strongly, and will do everything in my role as MP for Brighton to help make this a reality. Their vision statement can be found on my campaign Facebook Page: 

www.facebook.com/felicity4brighton22

The State Opposition has announced that it intends to wind back hard won protections for LGBTIQA+ people and single parents in employment in faith based institutions and schools.

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) has stated that it is satisfied with the provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act (EOA) that prohibit discrimination in the hiring and firing practices of schools. I support the JCCV position absolutely.

The Australian Jewish News has reported that JCCV president Daniel Aghion stated, “The JCCV is comfortable with the present legislative settings. In particular, we understand that the larger Victorian Jewish day schools have not expressed a desire to exercise this power or a need for it.”

The AJN also reported that Bialik College principal Jeremy Stowe-Lindner reiterated his firm opposition to any form of discrimination in schools, which he had stated in his submission to the 2018 Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry into legislative exemptions for faith-based schools. I fully support his 2018 Senate Submission and his stance against discrimination.

As the Independent MP for Brighton, I will strenuously oppose Liberal & National Party moves to wind back current protections in the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act, and will stand up for equality in employment of all Victorians, free from discrimination. I will also strenuously oppose any moves to repeal or water down so called “Conversion Therapy” legislation in Victoria. These practices are currently unlawful in our State, and I intend to keep it that way, given the profound damage they do, and the expert medical advice we have.

There are many other important issues facing the Victorian and Brighton LGBTIQA+ communities in this election campaign. I want to assure you, that having read, studied and understood the Victorian Pride Lobby State Election Platform, I am in fullest agreement with all of their specific initiatives, and will work towards making these a reality in Victoria. I attach a copy of the VPL Election Platform below.

If Aleph Melbourne have specific initiatives you wish to see implemented in Victoria and the Brighton electorate, i invite your feedback, and i will do everything possible to make these a reality too.

With my warm wishes and best regards,

Felicity Frederico
Community Independent Candidate for Brighton.
Brighton Deserves Better!

LGBTIQ-ELECTION-PLATFORM-2022

[PDF]

Caulfield Candidates Forum: Changing the Equal Opportunity Act

At the November 9 2022 Caulfield Candidates’ Forum and Q&A, candidates David Southwick MP (Liberal) and Lior Harel (ALP) discuss a Liberal Party proposal to amend the Equal Opportunity Act. Question asked by Caulfield resident David Zyngier on behalf of Aleph Melbourne.

QUESTION FOR DAVID SOUTHWICK BY CAULFIELD RESIDENT DAVID ZYNGIER ON BEHALF OF ALEPH MELBOURNE

“David Southwick has given an iron-clad guarantee that under a Liberal Government any amendment to the Equal Opportunity Act will protect the LGBTIQA+ community from discrimination.*

Hypothetical scenarios aside, can he state what genuine existing problem necessitates an amendment to the Equal Opportunity Act?”

* Candidate statement: David Southwick – Liberal for Caulfield

SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION FOR DAVID SOUTHWICK BY LIOR HAREL

“If the roof body for the Jewish community says the law doesn’t need to be changed, and the major Jewish schools say the law doesn’t need to be changed, who are you changing the law for?”

Candidate statement: Steve Dimopoulos – Labor for Oakleigh

The following political statement has been supplied by Steve Dimopoulos 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.

Dear Michael,

Thank you for the opportunity.

I have a belief that everyone should be able to live their life unencumbered by bigotry and prejudice.

I am very proud of the track record that the Andrews Labor Government has in supporting the LGBTQI+ community including the introduction of the Safe Schools program to create a safe environment for children, the banning of gay conversion therapy, the building and opening of the Gay Pride Centre in St Kilda and sponsoring the first Pride match at AAMI park. Premier Dan Andrews has marched in Pride March since the first year he became Premier and continues to do so. There is a lot more I can say about, the support of the Government that I am a member of, for the LGBTQI+ community including mental health and festival funding but I want to leave you with the following – a big part of the reason I can be out as a Minister and an MP in the Government is because of the culture of our Government.

I will continue to support and advocate for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Steve Dimopoulos

Candidate statement: Amelia Natoli – Animal Justice Party for Malvern

The following political statement has been supplied by Amelia Natoli who is running as a candidate for Malvern 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.

Kindness, equality, rationality, and non-violence are the core values of the Animal Justice Party.

I strongly support individuals being protected from discrimination and harassment due to gender or sexual identity and encourage more safe and accessible places to support and celebrate equality, diversity, and inclusion, especially in the District of Malvern.

I strongly support LGBTQIA+ organisations in our community and will support and prioritise the LGBTQIA+ youth voice if elected.

Our current MP, Andy Meddick has been working tirelessly in parliament to create more LGBTQIA+ safe spaces in Victoria.

The Animal Justice Party’s policies are as follows:

  • 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 all types 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.

In a world where we can be anything, we should choose to be kind.

Further information about my campaign can be found via the links
below:

https://vic.animaljusticeparty.org/amelia_natoli_for_malvern
https://instagram.com/amelia.natoli.ajp
https://www.facebook.com/AJP.Natoli