Our response to AHRC regarding preliminary rejection for Lesbian Action Group to host a lesbian-only event

The Australian Human Rights Commission have given their preliminary decision against granting the Lesbian Action Group (LAG) a single-sex exemption.

This is our response to their preliminary decision. We outline how the Australian Human Rights Commission has adopted a definition of sex unknown to law. Further, our observations against clear evidence from LAG that lesbian political and social assembly in public has been effectively outlawed for 20 years, a position which many might consider remarkable.

We hope they have the fortitude to change their minds. Read our response in full to further understand the very troubling situation that lesbians now find themselves in.

Read our response to AHRC’s preliminary decision here.

More information about our previous submission to AHRC can also be viewed for context. Additionally, the rejection letter from the Victorian Pride Centre who refused to host a lesbian-only event (on International Lesbian Day, no less) and disappointing response from mainstream LGBTQ organisations show what lesbians in 2023 are up against.

The below photo shows women from the Lesbian Action Group protesting outside the Victorian Pride Centre; a place that boasts L in the acronym but refuses to represent or defend lesbians.

10/11/2023 update: The Lesbian Action Group have decided to appeal the final rejection decision by the AHRC. We will continue to provide updates around the process and provide support to LAG where possible.