Two great pandemics of the past fifty years – HIV and COVID-19 – have shaken societies around the globe. The immediate crisis of COVID-19 has many of the hallmarks of the early HIV pandemic – fear, rapid action, wall-to-wall media coverage and political attention. In time, we learned to live with HIV. As we enter its fourth decade, what insights from HIV can help us live with COVID-19?

Meridian welcomes the opportunity to respond to the revising of the Work Health and Safety (Sexual Services Industry) Code of Practice.

Meridian commends the ACT government on its leadership in banning conversion practice and supports the government’s intention to make clear to practitioners, service providers and the community that these harmful practices are not to be offered in the ACT. Meridian supports the introduction and passage of legislation to assist in the consideration of complaints in this area. Meridian is pleased to make the following submission with regards to the proposed ban.

The ACT is renowned as a fair, welcoming, and inclusive community that celebrates diversity. Thanks to the strong leadership of the ACT Chief Minister, the Territory is at the forefront of advancing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) people. Through the establishment of the Office for LGBTIQ+ Affairs, and by committing to developing the first ACT LGBTIQ+ Strategic Plan, the ACT Government has reaffirmed its commitment to, and investment in, LGBTIQ+ rights, support, and inclusion.

Meridian is pleased to make this submission to Equality Australia. The Council supports the law reform to remove direct and indirect discrimination against LGBTIQ people in the Australian Capital Territory. In considering the key questions we think it is important to frame our response around six priority areas relevant to the issues and communities we support and represent.