Rohan Leppert: Last News

The Victorian Greens on Wednesday apologised to the trans and gender diverse community over comments made by an out gay Melbourne City Councillor. Trigger Warning: This story discusses comments, which might be distressing to some readers. For 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat.Trans rights advocates had criticised comments made by Greens councillor Rohan Leppert in a private group as well as on social media, that seemed to question transgender identities and access to gender affirming healthcare.“In light of recent commentary by Cr Rohan Leppert, the Victorian Greens reject any suggestion that trans rights should be up for debate,” the party said in a statement. The Greens said that the party had a proud track record of standing up for trans rights. “Trans rights do not conflict in any way with women’s rights to feel safe. Trans women are women, and trans women are particularly vulnerable to gendered violence.”“Our primary concern at this time is for the wellbeing of the trans and gender diverse community.

Melbourne City Councillors last week took the next steps to fulfil their rainbow pledges, including setting up an LGBTQI advisory committee. A motion asking the management to provide a briefing paper on steps taken to set up an LGBTQI advisory committee, develop and implement an LGBTQI action plan and achieve Rainbow Tick accreditation for its services passed unanimously. The motion moved by Councillor Rohan Leppert and seconded by out councillor Jamal Hakim was unanimously passed by the council on March 15. The motion also noted the services and programs run by the City of Melbourne council for the LGBTQI committee.Nine out of the 11 elected Melbourne councillors had signed Victorian Pride Lobby’s Rainbow pledge before the council elections in 2020.