A move to allow same-sex (LGBT) people to apply for protection orders under Domestic Violence law failed to receive the nod of the Senate yesterday, as only four Independent senators voted in favour of it, Government senators voted against, and Opposition senators abstained.

The amendment was proposed by Independent Senator Hazel Thompson-Ahye during yesterday’s Domestic Violence Amendment Bill debate. The Senate was meeting to expand the category of people who could apply for protection orders when Thompson-Ahye proposed that people in same-sex relationships should be included. However, when it came to a vote, the Senate did not approve.

Earlier in the sitting, Thompson-Ahye commended the Government for bringing legislation to address domestic violence.

“Today is a red-letter day. I commend Government for the work that went into this bill. I humbly say I beg your pardon and you have delivered some blossoms in this bill.” She said Government, with reference to LGBT issues, had shown a gender-neutral position.

“So we can’t be talking out of both sides of our mouth, we can’t turn back now. Some in same-sex relationships have been killed. But their lives can be saved,” she said. Read more via CNC3