Tas no longer most homophobic state

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 16.11.10

Tasmania is no longer Australia's most homophobic state, but gay activists say the island still has a long way to go before discrimination is brought to an end.

According to a national Roy Morgan poll released yesterday, Queensland is now Australia's most homophobic state, replacing Tasmania which scored worst of all the states in a similar poll conducted five years ago. The poll found attitudes have generally improved across the nation.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said attitudes in Tasmania have improved faster than in the other states, but the figures camouflage continued discrimination and abuse against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people.

"We know from surveys within the GLBT community that discrimination in employment and education are still common and that Tasmanians are still verbally and physically abused because of their sexual orientation or gender identity", Mr Croome said.

"One of the things that has transformed Tasmania is leadership from political figures and we need continued leadership to bring an end to discrimination."

"In particular, we need to see better funding for essential support and education programs that are currently operating on a pittance."

The North West electorate of Braddon, one of the most homophobic in Australia in the 2005 survey, has now slipped to 22nd place below the Launceston-based electorate of Bass in 12th position. The Hobart-based electorate of Denison is the 17th least homophobic.

Morgan research asked respondents if they believe homosexuality is immoral and if they support same-sex adoptions.

Tasmania was the last state to decriminalise homosexuality, but has since adopted some of the nation's most progressive anti-discrimination and relationship laws.

For the electorate-by-electorate results of the Morgan survey visit,
http://i.imgur.com/61096.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lwvLM.jpg

For a news report on the survey visit
www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queenslands-alarming-gay-phobia-20101115-17txg.html

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.