CHARLES DENHAM

Why have you chosen to represent this same-sex law reform campaign?

No one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation either physically or emotionally. As Co-President of Pride WA I believe we should be helping to educate people about the changes and how it will affect them.

What sorts of same-sex discrimination have you as / anyone you know experienced?

I know people who have been bashed and permanently damaged; been rejected by their families and thrown out; been subjected to abuse in the workplace.

How do you think these reforms will make a difference to your life, or to the lives of those close to you?

The main difference will be to the lives of the younger generations, and those who are now coming out. Unfortunately some of the older people – who have had to endure hardship and unfairness for so long, and who have had to fight for all their rights - may be worse off financially under some of the reforms and having to declare long standing relationships much later in their lives.

Why do you think people should wear these 85 law reforms with pride?

A lot of people have put a lot of time, effort and often risk into getting these reforms passed into law. This is now part of the history of the Australian Gay Community. We should be proud of, and thankful for the dedication and determination shown by these people in achieving this milestone

Why do you think this is a huge step forward for Australia?

It brings Australia more into line with other countries around the world. Same-sex equality needs to be world-wide not just in some countries. Australia is the land of the “fair go for all” and this shows that our acceptance is now at such a level as to allow these reforms to be passed.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I think that in such a physically large and ethnically diverse country it is important that this campaign is being run as an all inclusive national campaign.

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