‘Vigils for Inclusion’ Targetting Christian Lobby

Media release – Rodney Croome, 29 August 2021

LOCAL COMMUNITY TO HOLD VIGILS FOR INCLUSION OUTSIDE AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN LOBBY MEETINGS

What: Vigils for inclusion and defending Tas anti-discrimination laws outside Australian Christian Lobby events
Who: LGBTIQA+ communities and allies
When: 6.30pm Monday August 30th in Launceston, 3.30pm Saturday September 4 in Hobart
Where: Opposite Princess Theatre in Launceston, TBA in Hobart

LGBTIQA+ people and their friends and allies will hold peaceful vigils outside the Australian Christian Lobby’s upcoming meetings in Launceston (Aug 30) and Hobart (Sep 4).

The theme of the ACL meetings will be opposition to Tasmania’s landmark Anti-Discrimination Act, in particular section 17, which prohibits intimidating and humiliating conduct.

Alison Jales from Launceston said:

“Launceston is a community which embraces diversity and inclusivity. We thrive on respect, empathy, tolerance and equality and believe in protecting all of our community members to ensure they feel safe and valued.  Diminishing the power of section 17 makes many members of our community, including those with disabilities and LGBTIQA+ members, vulnerable to being offended, humiliated, intimidated, insulted and ridiculed.”

Craig Hislop from the Pride Society of the University of Tasmania said:

“At a time when we need to all work together against a global pandemic it’s mind-boggling that the ACL wants to foster division and discrimination.”

Rodney Croome from Equality Tasmania said:

“Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act has fostered a more inclusive and equal society and we are determined to defend it from those who want to water it down.”