PRESS RELEASE - 16 December 2003

Still Not Safe to be Gay and
Lesbian

By Somali Cerise and Rob McGrory
Co-Convenors
Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby NSW Inc.

The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) has reacted with alarm to the report released today by the NSW Attorney General’s Department, “You Shouldn’t Have to Hide to be Safe”; A Report on Homophobic Hostilities and Violence against Gay Men and Lesbians in NSW.

“The fact that eighty-five percent of the 600 survey respondents reported that they have at some time experienced homophobic abuse, harassment and violence should be ringing alarm bells for everyone” said GLRL Co-Convenor Rob McGrory. “What is of even greater concern is that these figures are almost exactly the same as was found in previous reports such as the 1994 Out of the Blue survey and the 1990 Streetwatch Report”, said GLRL Co-Convenor Rob McGrory.

“Violence against gay men and lesbians, and people who are perceived as gay or lesbian, has remained at alarmingly high levels since this sort of hate violence was first documented in NSW, “ continued McGrory. “Clearly the strategies that the NSW Government has employed in the last decade have failed to stem the tide of homophobic hate in our community.”

The report found that over half the respondents felt that they had to hide their sexuality in order to protect themselves from abuse.

GLRL Co-Convenor Somali Cerise commented, “Every Australian should have the right to live without the fear of violence within our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Gay men and lesbians should not have to hide who they are and who they love for fear of homophobic violence.”

Ms Cerise continued, “It is time for the NSW government to show leadership by initiating a whole of government response to the issues raised in the report. It is quite clear that in areas such as education, particular attention is needed so that we can develop a community that respects and promotes diversity.”

The GLRL also drew a link between the experience of homophobic violence and the current legal inequality faced by gay men and lesbians.

For further comment:
Please contact The Lobby co-convenors:
Ms Somali Cerise 0418 207 027
Mr Robert McGrory 0404 837 905