LAW SOCIETY OPPOSITION TO WEAKER HATE SPEECH PROTECTIONS WELCOMED
Gay rights advocates have called on the State Government to provide more support for vulnerable LGBTI Tasmanians should a marriage equality plebiscite go ahead.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“Studies from the US have shown big increases in mental health problems for LGBTI people as a result of public votes on marriage equality and associated hate campaigns.”
“In Australia, support services have reported an upswing in young LGBTI people seeking counselling because of the attacks on Safe Schools and the possibility of a plebiscite.”
“It is essential the Tasmanian Government increases funding for LGBTI counselling services if the plebiscite goes ahead.”
“It is also essential there is a whole of government strategy to deal with the plebiscite that includes the police and education departments.”
“A plebiscite will inevitably increase the possibility of anti-gay harassment on the street and in the classroom.”
Mr Croome’s call comes in the wake of questions in State Parliament about funding for LGBTI support services should a plebiscite go ahead.
Mr Croome also welcomed opposition from the Tasmanian Law Society to the State Government’s proposed weakening of the state’s hate speech laws ahead of the plebiscite.
Law Society President, Matt Verney, issued a statement today which reads in part,
“It is clear that the government’s proposed amendments will expose vulnerable minorities to the risk of harm from which they are currently protected.”
Mr Croome said the Law Society’s opposition to the proposed amendments shows they are not necessary and should be blocked in the Upper House.
Download a copy of the Law Society’s statement …
Media_Release_Anti-Discrimination_Amendment_Bill_15.9_.16_.pdf
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome
