Homophobic social media post highlights need to retain strong anti-hate laws

Tasmanian gay rights advocates are appalled by what they say are hateful and offensive remarks directed at former Greens leader, Bob Brown, on social media.

Dr Brown has lodged a case with the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commission about the remarks (for more information, click here).

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

“Life is already tough enough for young LGBTI Tasmanians without seeing a prominent Tasmanian mocked and vilified because he is gay.”

“The homophobic abuse directed at Bob Brown shows why the State Government is making a terrible mistake by weakening Tasmania’s world-class hate speech laws.”

“The State Government’s proposal to water down Tasmania’s hate speech laws will foster hate speech in the community because it sends the message that there are circumstances under which hate speech is acceptable.”

“This hateful material is also a timely reminder of why it was such a bad idea to have a marriage equality plebiscite. The plebiscite would have given anti-gay hate speech the biggest platform ever.”

Mr Croome said the offending social media post undermined the pro-development cause it was meant to promote.

“The person behind this material has done their cause a disservice because they are effectively saying their case is so weak they have to resort to homophobia to make their point.”

For more information go to: www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-09/bob-brown-takes-action-facebook-meme-by-pro-pulp-mill-group/8251560

A copy of the offending social media post has been included as background information. Journalists and editors are advised to use discretion when reproducing it publicly.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome