TOURISM TAS MUST DO MORE TO TACKLE DISCRIMINATION
Tasmanian gay rights advocates have called on Airbnb to remove an ad for a Hobart room that says same-sex couples aren’t welcome ( ), and want the state government to do more to tackle discrimination in the tourism industry.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“Discrimination of this kind is morally wrong, and illegal under the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act.”
“The state Anti-Discrimination Tribunal has defined discrimination in accommodation very broadly, and this definition clearly includes Airbnbs.”
“This is also very bad for tourism because it sends the message that gay, lesbian and bisexual visitors aren’t welcome in Tasmania.”
“Over the years Tourism Tasmania has worked hard to improve Tasmania’s reputation but it takes just one bad apple to jeopardise this good work.”
“I urge the Airbnb’s administration to take down the ad, and for Tourism Tasmania to revisit the issue of discrimination in the tourism industry.”
The ad for a room in the picturesque Hobart suburb of Battery Point says “we prefer not to host GLB couples”.
Airbnb has said it has a “zero tolerance” policy on discrimination and will contact the couple.
For a news report on the issue, click here: http://www.themercury.com.au/lifestyle/airbnb-vows-to-act-on-no-gays-ad-by-tassie-operator/story-fnj64obd-1227124343659
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome
