Sexuality

Giz Watson, MLC is the first openly lesbian parliamentarian in Australia and was instrumental in passing lesbian and gay law reform in Western Australia in 2002. Giz led the debate on lesbian gay law reform on behalf of the Greens who hold the balance of power in WA's Legislative Council. As a member of the Ministerial Committee into Lesbian and Gay Law Reform Giz ensured the legislation reflected the expectations of the community and she provided a direct link between the lesbian community and legislators.

Giz is an outspoken parliamentary advocate for rights of lesbians and gays. She sought and secured government funding for lesbian and gay community services, parenting rights for same sex couples, and access to adoption and IVF.

Greens policy

• Sexuality

Media Releases

• Lesbian and Gay Equality a historic moment, 21 March 2002
• Gay MP to March, 1 March, 2000

Speeches and Statements

• Submission to the Same Sex Inquiry, Human Rights Unit, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, 28 June 2006
• Acts Amendment Sexuality Discrimination Bill 1997: Second Reading Speech - Hon. Giz Watson

Gay and Lesbian Links

• GLCS on the Web
• GALE (Gay and Lesbian Law Equality)