Under the auspices of Rights Australia, an annual lecture has been established named for John Marsden who was long-time President of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, President of the NSW Law Society and champion of law reform for sexual minorities.

Justice Michael Kirby is Australia's longest serving judicial officer and was a friend of John Marsden until his death in 2007. He will describe the way John Marsden challenged him and everyone else who would listen (as well as some who would not) to accept the realities and to respect the rights to equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other queer citizens.

But where is equality leading us? And what do we do about the systemic inequality in most developing countries of the world? Is Bishop Desmond Tutu right when he says that "everyone needs to have someone to look down on?" Or can John Marsden's ideal of civic equality be realised? These are themes of the inaugral John Marsden Lecture.

Details for the night:

 6.30pm

Arrival, Drinks

7.00pm

Introduction and Welcome, MC Fran Kelly

7.10pm

Hon Michael Kirby, AC CMG

7.50pm

Thanks, Hugh Macken, President, Law Society of NSW 

8.00pm 

Invitation to remain for dinks and discussion 

8.30pm 

Function concludes