Read the best bits from first openly gay Liberal MP’s speech

By Heaps Gay Staff

Trent Zimmerman, the Liberal MP for North Sydney, yesterday gave his introductory speech to Parliament, giving tribute to Gay MPs who came before him and delivering some statements that, hopefully, give pause to some of the Liberal MPs who have been on a bit of a homophobic rampage over the last few weeks.

“This is the first time an openly gay man or woman has entered the House of Representatives,” Zimmerman said.

“I am of course not the first in this Parliament – and I pay tribute to those that have forged a path in the Senate.”

“We do live at a time and in a world where we can be proud of how far we have progressed in breaking down centuries of discrimination against gay and lesbian people.”

Zimmerman is also a firm supporter of marriage equality.

“Our laws still deny access to marriage – our society’s ultimate expression of love and commitment.”

For the most part, the new MP spoke about coming out and the journey of acceptance for queer people.

“We will not have reached the end of the journey until no person feels compelled to live a life that is not their own. Until we recognise that a person’s sexuality is not a choice or a preference – it is as innate as the colour of their skin.

“We should regard intolerance in the same way modern Australia regards discrimination based on sex or race – no more and no less.”

“But I hope that my election to this place will, in a small way, send a message of hope. That your sexuality should not and need not be a barrier.
 That you can be gay and even be a member of the Australian Parliament.”