Tasmanians urged to report anti-gay mail to authorities

NAT’S SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY SIGN OF GROWING SUPPORT

Tasmanian gay rights advocates have urged recipients of anti-gay letters to report them to the authorities.

The call comes in the wake of a report in the Hobart Mercury that a Sydney-based religious organisation is sending personalised letters to Tasmanians denouncing marriage equality.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“This personalised mail campaign borders on harassment and I urge recipients to report any anti-gay letters to the Anti-Discrimination Commission and to the police.”

“This attempt by a mainland organisation to sow fear and misinformation about marriage equality should be met with a firm ‘get lost’ from ordinary Tasmanians.”

Tasmanian residents, including gay man, AJ Bell, have reported receiving personally addressed letters denouncing marriage equality from the Sydney-based “Australian Tradition Family Property Bureau” which claims to be a Catholic organisation.

Meanwhile, a National Party candidate in the Tasmanian election, Ken Dorsey, has supported marriage equality as a way to boost the Tasmanian economy.

Speaking to the Burnie Advocate Mr Dorsey said, “Tasmania has to do something different to cutting down trees and digging holes. We need new industry. Make the Spirit (of Tasmania) the Love Boat.”

Mr Croome said,

“Mr Dorsey’s comments are a reminder that marriage equality is not a left / right issue and that support for the reform is growing across the political spectrum.”

The Tasmanian National Party has confirmed its members have a conscience vote on marriage equality.

For a news report on the anti-gay mail campaign, see the Hobart Mercury p17, 7.3.14.

For a news report on Mr Dorsey’s comments, click here and here.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome