Call on Hodgman / Giddings to show leadership against forestry rally prejudice

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 22.8.11

Tasmanian gay activists have called on the leaders of Tasmania's two major parties to speak out against anti-gay prejudice following yesterday's pro-forestry rally in Hobart at which signs described as "foul, violent and homophobic" were displayed.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the kind of prejudice on display tears apart families and communities, and can destroy the lives of young same-sex attracted people.

"People genuinely committed to maintaining timber communities would not foster the kind of prejudices that tear families apart and drive young people away", Mr Croome said.

"Young same-sex attracted people in rural Tasmania have a hard enough time without this kind of overt prejudice driving them away, or worse, driving them to suicide."

"We call on Will Hodgman and Lara Giddings to speak out against homophobia in the forestry debate, and in public debate generally."

"We will also seek legal advice on whether the signs contravene the anti-hate provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act."

Studies show that young same-sex attracted people are three to four time more likely than other young people to seriously consider suicide because of prejudice against them.

A national survey in 2010 found that Tasmania is Australia's second most homophobic state after Queensland.

For a report of the prejudiced rally posters go to: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/08/22/255101_tasmania-news.html

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.