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UPDATE 28/04/2020: 

In October last year, we, along with other advocacy groups in Australia called for a parliamentary inquiry into the current treatment approach to kids clinically diagnosed with gender dysphoria especially in relation to the area of informed consent for parents (read the petition here).

Exciting news this week with the announcement from New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that she is pregnant.

Initially, breaking the news on social media, Ardern said she and her partner Clarke Gayford were expecting their first child in June.

Last week we saw the passage of the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017. This Bill changes the definition of Marriage from between a union of a “man and a woman” to a “union of two people.” Significantly, this Bill passed without any amendments which would have protected freedom of speech and religion for parents, individuals and professional clergy.

Since her public comments against same-sex marriage at the beginning of the year, Australian and International tennis legend Margaret Court has been subject to distasteful harassment and intimidation. Regardless of where people stand on the issue of same-sex marriage, respectful freedom of speech in Australia must be valued and protected.

Across, New Zealand about 40 % of primary schools engage in some form of religious instruction,   CEC is the largest provider of programs operating in state schools. Approximately 2,500 volunteers across the country in 600 schools by invitation to teach values from a curriculum called “Life Choices.” Children learn values that support the New Zealand School Curriculum, combined with stories and values from the Bible.

With the death of Hugh Hefner last week many people, including women across the globe have been paying tribute to a man who “revolutionised publishing and helped usher in the sexual revolution with a vision of beauty, sophistication and the libertine lifestyle.” Leading Australian fashion lingerie retailer Bras N Things also jumped on the bandwagon describing Hefner as a man “that inspired us all”.

Darebin City Councillors will next week vote on an emergency motion which proposes to allow access to council facilities for same-sex marriage campaigners. The proposed motion follows the Federal government’s announcement of a September postal vote on the Marriage Act. As part of the council motion, ‘No’ campaigners will be barred from using council facilities and the council will issue a warning to local churches not to campaign against same-sex marriage.

Cornerstone Church Pastor Campbell Markham and street preacher Mr David Gee have been reported to the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner due to their comments on same-sex marriage and atheists, highlighting an attitude of cultural victimhood that is gripping the State and the Country. It seems today when we hear something we do not like, we run to the Discrimination courts.

News broke this week that some members of the Liberal party are working hard to ensure the passing of legalisation for same-sex marriage in Australia. It is believed that members are working on a Private Members Bill which will be presented to Parliament through a conscience vote. This vote would then replace the government’s current plan to hold a national plebiscite.

*Update this Bill will not be voted on this week (June 22nd) but has been delayed due to the budget and other matters til later in the year.*