Over recent months I have moved two Senate motions calling on the Government to advocate for the rights of same-sex attracted people overseas. Both have dealt with horrendous human rights abuse and both have been defeated by the Labor and Liberal parties on the grounds that these issues related to "complex foreign affairs matters."

During the last sitting period, I moved that the Senate condemn the criminalisation of homosexuality through the Ugandan Government's Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The Bill imposes 10 years imprisonment for same-gendered sex and imposes the death penalty on HIV positive people who have sex. The Government argued that it could not support my motion as it dealt with a "complex foreign affairs matter". The Ugandan Bill represents appalling human rights abuse and should be stridently opposed by the international community. Where's the complexity in this? Australia opposes the criminalisation of the homosexuality. Australia opposes the death penalty. This is the policy of both major parties.

Last week, I moved another motion, this time noting the pending execution of three Iranian men on charges of "homosexual conduct" and calling on the Government to join the international campaign against the death penalty in Iran. Again, a non-controversial motion, consistent with the Australian Government's policy. Again it was defeated.

Human rights are too important to be placed in the too hard basket. We have a moral responsibility to do what we can to fight for the world's most vulnerable and marginalised people. If human rights abuses are "too complex" for our Parliament, where can they be addressed? It is time for the old parties to step up and match their words with action. Australia, is now a bona fide member of the G20. With that additional influence, comes additional responsibility and we should be playing a leadership role in the global campaign for human rights, including on LGBTI issues. I will maintain the pressure on both major parties, to ensure that LGBTI rights are not swept under the carpet.