Tas Gov accused of double standards over Wicked Camper clampdown

TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP

Gay rights advocates have accused the State Government of “shocking double standards” in the wake of reports it will outlaw offensive slogans on Wicked Campers.

The Government currently has legislation before Parliament allowing offensive language and hate speech if it is in the name of religion, a move advocates fear will allow hate speech against religious minorities, women, people with disabilities and the LGBTI community.

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

“This is a shocking double standard from the Government because it is allowing religious hate speech while clamping down on other forms of hate speech.”

“The Government just blew out of the water its ‘freedom of speech’ rationale for weakening the hate speech provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act.”

“I call on the Government to drop its proposal to allow religious hate speech so that all Tasmanians, from Bishops through to camper van owners, are governed by exactly the same standards.”

Mr Croome also accused the Australian Christian Lobby of double standards for pushing to allow religious hate speech but also pushing to criminalise wicked camper slogans.

“The Christian Lobby wants the law weakened to allow it to offend others, but then wants the law strengthened when it is offended.”

“Basically, the Christian Lobby is saying there should be one rule for it and one rule for everyone else.”

The Government’s Anti-Discrimination Act amendment allowing religious hate speech is before the Upper House.

An attempt by Upper House member for Murchison, Ruth Forrest, to allow for more consultation through an Upper House inquiry was voted down last week after it was opposed by the Government.

The Government then put off debate until next year to allow for further consultation.

Mr Croome welcomed the opportunity for more consultation but added that the Government’s human rights policies “appear to be guided by changing circumstances and not any discernible principle.”

For a news report on the Tasmanian Government’s plans to outlaw Wicked Camper slogans, click here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-17/wicked-campers-with-‘vile’-slogans-to-be-outlawed-in-tasmania/8033548
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome