Human rights campaigner to appeal Liberal hate case knock back

This media release from the TGLRG was issued on Sunday April 16th, 2006.

Human rights campaigner, Martine Delaney, says she will appeal a decision by the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to reject her complaint alleging the Liberal Party incited hatred during the recent state election by declaring same-sex marriage to be "socially destructive".

Ms Delaney, who had a similar case against a member of the Exclusive Brethren accepted last week, said that she was disappointed but not discouraged by the knock back.

"I want this case to continue, and will be lodging an appeal, for the simple reason that this is about the lives and well being of ordinary people who deserve better than having their relationships and their human rights treated with such contempt", Ms Delaney said.

"My determination to bring the Liberal Party to account has nothing to do with politics, parties, elections or public debate, and everything to do with creating a more respectful society."

In a four page decision Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner cited public interest, an implied constitutional right to political free speech, and her belief that the term "socially destructive" fails to incite hatred, as reasons for rejecting Ms Delaney's complaint.

"I can't see why these excuses should apply to the Liberal Party but not to the Exclusive Brethren", Ms Delaney said.

"The gravity and impact of the Liberals' hate language was no less severe than the Brethren's, and the same legal standards should apply to both."

Earlier this week the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner agreed to investigate a complaint from Ms Delaney alleging that election materials authorised by a member of the Exclusive Brethren had incited hatred by declaring that transgender and intersex human rights will "ruin families and society".

Ms Delaney's appeal to the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal against the more recent decision must be lodged within 28 days.

For more information contact Martine Delaney on 0417 530 621.