Alleged attack on teenager in Hobart’s CBD

MARRIAGE EQUALITY ADVOCATE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICE CONDEMN ALLEGED ATTACK ON A TEENAGER IN HOBART’S CBD.

Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality spokesperson, Robin Banks, has condemned the alleged assault on a transgender teenager in Hobart’s CBD on Friday.

Responding to reports that Thalia Black, who is transgender, was allegedly attacked by someone yelling abuse at the Yes campaign for marriage equality, Ms Banks said, “This alleged act of violence is appalling. Whether you are a former Prime Minister or a teenager, all Australians must be able to feel safe on the streets of our cities.”

“Both sides of the marriage equality debate and our political leaders must speak strongly and clearly in condemning this act of violence.”

“If leaders fail to condemn this alleged attack, which was reportedly motivated by Thalia’s presumed support for the ‘yes’ campaign, they increase the chances of similar attacks on LGBTI people in the future.”

Susan Ditter, EO of Working It Out, said, “Violence on the basis of someone’s assumed sexual orientation or transgender or intersex status is an horrific reality and harms every one of us. It has no place anywhere. Abuse and assaults are a common experience for transgender, lesbian and gay people and their families, and it has to stop.”

“We call upon the broader community, regardless of their views on marriage equality, to stand side by side with us to provide LGBTI people with support and safe spaces during what is proving to be a difficult and stressful time,” Ms Ditter and Ms Banks said.

“The Yes campaign has always held deep concerns that this process would be divisive and inflammatory, and those fears have come to pass. The ‘yes’ campaign renews calls for people to show respect during the debate.”
Spokesperson for Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality Robin Banks