Greens spokesperson for Women’s Rights in the NSW Parliament, Jenny Leong MP, has welcomed the introduction of long awaited sexual consent reforms into the NSW Parliament.
The introduction of the Bill by the NSW Attorney General this week, coincides with a debate on a petition signed by over 20,000 people calling for holistic consent education reform, sponsored by Jenny Leong MP.
“This is a significant moment, so many have campaigned so hard for the introduction of affirmative consent laws in this state,” Ms Leong said.
“This is a big reform, it was a long time coming, and is a significant step in eliminating sexual assault - so that we can all participate in society equally without fear.
“While it's critical that we look closely at this legislation ahead of the debate that will occur in November, what is clear is that credit for this reform sits with some incredibly strong survivor-advocates, feminists, experts and activists who have never given up.
“First and foremost, thank you to Saxon Mullins, who led the way to this reform with strength and care - bringing other young activist-survivors, experts and women with her.
“Credit must also go to Dr Rachael Burgin and Rape Reform NSW, Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia, the Women’s Legal Service NSW, Women’s Safety NSW, Women’s March Sydney and the many other organisations and groups who have been advocating and campaigning for affirmative consent reform in NSW.
“It is timely that the debate on the petition calling for consent education started by Chanel Contos’ and sparked by over 6000 testimonies shared online will also begin this week. To have consent back on the agenda of the NSW Parliament this week, demonstrates that this movement for change that started with tens of thousands marching and declaring ‘enough is enough’ at the start of the year is still going strong,” Ms Leong said.
Photo opportunity: 1:15 outside NSW Parliament
Women will be hanging 6,000 ribbons outside the NSW Parliament at 1:15 today, to represent the 6,000 women who made testimonies about their experience of sexual assault to Chanel Contos from Teach Us Consent.
Petition Debate: 4pm, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament Jenny Leong MP, along with members from across the political spectrum will speak this petition - will bring the testimonies shared on instagram on to the public record.
The debate can be watched online here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/pages/la-webcast-page.aspx
