Summary of the Article: Nicholas Stewart – Advocate for LGBTIQA+ Rights and Human Rights Lawyer
This article profiles Nicholas Stewart, a lawyer deeply committed to advocating for the LGBTIQA+ community and broader human rights. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* focus on LGBTIQA+ Rights: Stewart is heavily involved in addressing ancient and ongoing injustices faced by the LGBTIQA+ community. He highlights the positive impact of the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes and the acceptance of its recommendations, notably regarding police training.
* Real-World Cases: The article details several recent cases Stewart and his firm have handled, illustrating the discrimination LGBTIQA+ individuals still face:
* Airport Harassment: A gay man with disabilities was wrongly accused and detained at Sydney Airport.
* workplace Homophobia: A gay car salesman experienced harassment, including discriminatory treatment regarding test drives.
* Estate Disputes: A man was denied access to his deceased partner’s death certificate due to the funeral home prioritizing the deceased’s family’s wishes.
* Family Law Challenges: Trans clients face custody disputes where their trans status is used against them.
* Advocacy & Challenges: Stewart acknowledges that advocacy can be “uncomfortable,” requiring him to repeatedly come out as gay. he faced criticism (and an article in The Australian) for his policy of preferentially briefing women barristers as a way to support women in the legal profession.
* Broader Human Rights Perspective: He recognizes the limitations of domestic law in solving all human rights issues, despite expectations created by his role as a human rights lawyer and President of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights.
* Advice to Young Lawyers: Stewart encourages young lawyers to be authentic, pursue their interests, and develop their skills.
* Impact & Leadership: The article concludes that Stewart’s leadership and advocacy are valuable to his clients, the LGBTIQA+ community, and the wider Australian community.
In essence, the article portrays Nicholas Stewart as a dedicated and courageous lawyer who actively works to combat discrimination and promote equality for marginalized groups, even when facing personal and professional challenges.
