Priests warned not to violate anti-hate laws

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 24.12.08

Tasmania's Catholic clergy have been warned that they may be in breach of the state's anti hate-speech law if they repeat controversial comments by the Pope comparing homosexuality to environmental destruction.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that any active dissemination of the Pope's views would constitute a violation of the state's incitement-to-hatred provision of the state's Anti-Discrimination Act.

"The Pope's comments will be dismissed by many people as absurd and out-of-touch, but it's a tragic fact that hateful comments by public figures encourage discrimination and violence", Mr Croome said.

"Clergy who are true followers of a loving God will steer clear of the Pope's comments in their Christmas services, and those who don't will have the law to answer to", Mr Croome said.

Mr Croome said free speech is a fundamental right, but with every right comes a responsibility not to harm others.

Tasmania's anti hate-speech laws are the strongest in Australia because they do not exempt religious bodies.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.