PRESS RELEASE - February 2003

Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby Calls for Peace

The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby today called for a peaceful resolution to the current situation in Iraq, joining a growing number of GLTBQ organisations in the US, UK and Australia who have come out against a possible war. Following a survey of it's members over the past week, the Lobby has officially endorsed the " Walk Against The War" Rally being held in Sydney this Sunday, February 16.

According to the female co-convenor, Ms Somali Ghosh, " the overwhelming majority of responses from Lobby members were in favour of the Lobby taking a stand against the war, and we will be encouraging all members to come along to the rally to show that war is not the solution to International disputes".

" The Lobby has decided to take a position on the war, because as a gay and lesbian organisation with an objective of social justice, we believe that war is a bad outcome for all people, but especially for minorities such as gay men and lesbians.

There is the potential for thousands of innocent lives to be lost in a war in Iraq. Also in times of war, Governments tend to divert resources away from much needed social services, and restrict civil liberties. This will impact on gay men and lesbians not only in our country, but throughout the world." she added.

Despite the clash with Fair Day, the Lobby plans to have a presence at both events, and will use its website (www.glrl.org.au) and membership to promote the anti-war rally.