PRESS RELEASE - Tuesday, 15 November 2004

NSW GLRL Condemns Sam Newman’s
Homophobic ‘Today’ Comments

The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has strongly condemned the homophobic comments made by football personality, Sam Newman, on the ‘Today’ programme yesterday.

In a debate with Melbourne’s Deputy Mayor, Gary Singer, about his plans to make Melbourne Australia’s new gay capital, Newman made a number of offensive and vilifying comments such as “ we could start a new cottage industry: sphincter bleaching”, and “mincing, lisping parading people all over the state”.

He also commented about the possibility of “having the whole state infested with people we don’t necessary want”.

In response to the comments, Male convenor of the NSW GLRL, David Scamell said: “ The comments made by Newman are more than just offensive, they are dangerous. It is remarks such as these, made by high-profile media personalities, which perpetuate the high levels of homophobic violence that occur against lesbians and gay men in this country”.

He added: “ Mr Newman’s comments showed that his views are way out of touch with mainstream acceptance of sexual diversity. There are thousands of lesbians and gay men living in Melbourne, a fact acknowledged and celebrated by both the Lord Mayor and the Victorian Premier.

The Female Co-Convenor, Julie McConnell, stated: “These comments are not acceptable and should not be tolerated. As the NSW ADT showed in the ruling against Steve Price and John Laws for Homophobic Vilification last week, society will no longer accept such ignorant and derogatory statements”.