Advocates back TasCOSS call for more consultation on weakening anti-hate laws

CALL ON HODGMAN TO CONVENE ROUNDTABLE FOR GROUPS TO EXPRESS CONCERNS

Gay rights advocates have echoed calls from the Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS) for a longer period of community consultation on a State Government proposal to weaken hate speech protections in the Anti-Discrimination Act.

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

“The Government’s proposal affects a wide range of groups, including religious, ethnic and sexual minorities, and more time is required for consultation.”

“Because there was only a few days for consultation, we had to arrange an emergency group meeting between Vanesa Goodwin and LGBTI community representatives.”

“I know there are also legal groups that are concerned about the poor drafting of the Government’s amendments and they need more time to make their case.”

Mr Croome called on Premier Will Hodgman to convene a roundtable of concerned community groups to thrash out concerns about weakening hate speech protections.

For a news report on the concerns of TasCOSS, click here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-14/community-groups-shut-out-of-anti-discrimination-law-chances/7840782
Rodney Croome, TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP