TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP
Tasmanian gay rights advocates say a proposed State Government amendment to the Anti-Discrimination Act will be a green light to hatred and have called on the Government to consult with the local LGBTI community.
The Tasmanian Government says it will water down landmark provisions in the Anti-Discrimination Act that prohibit offensive conduct in order to protect “freedom of religion”.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“This is exactly the wrong time to water down the Anti-Discrimination Act because it will give a green light to those who want to exploit the proposed marriage equality plebiscite to stir up anti-gay hatred.”
“The Tasmanian Government is bowing to national pressure groups like the Australian Christian Lobby without listening to the concerns of those who will suffer most, the local Tasmanian LGBTI community.”
“I call on the Premier to convene a special meeting of LGBTI community representatives to hear our concerns.”
Mr Croome said there is no room in Tasmanian public debate for hatred under the guise of ‘religion’.”
“Society has moved on from the time when it was acceptable to denigrate particular groups of people in God’s name, and our law must reflect this.”
“It is never ‘reasonable’ to denigrate other people in the name of religion.”
Rodney Croome (just.equal)
