Archbishop refuses gay request to attend Khatami meeting

This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 23.3.09.

The Archbishop of Melbourne, Philip Freier, has knocked back a request from gay community representatives to attend a meeting he is convening with former Iranian president, Mohammed Khatami.

Gay activists asked to attend the meeting last week to raise the continued arrest, gaoling, flogging and execution of homosexuals in Iran, however a spokesperson for the Archbishop replied saying the meeting "is a small private function with the aim of interfaith dialogue" to which "Invitations have already been issued".

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said he was disappointed by the Archbishop's decision.

"The religious intolerance of the Iranian Government leads to the persecution of sexual as well as religious minorities", Mr Croome said.

"What's particularly disappointing about the Archbishop's decision is that he has defended the Khatami meeting by citing the importance of 'mutual respect' and 'dialogue'."

In response to criticism from Jewish community representatives, Archbishop Freier wrote in Saturday's Age that "our Christian faith is informed by the example of Jesus Christ who met with not only the faithful, but also the unpopular, the social outcasts".

Mr Croome said Mr Khatami has refused to condemn the death penalty for homosexuality and human rights organisations have documented homosexual executions during his time in office.

"We have asked the Archbishop to raise our concerns with Mr Khatami."

"We also urge concerned members of the public to raise the on-going persecution of Iranian homosexuals at Mr Khatami's lecture at La Trobe University this Thursday.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Corey Irlam on 0401 738 996.