In response to the escalating crisis of far-right groups menacing LGBTQ+ events, councils across Victoria are scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday. The urgency behind this gathering stems from the recent cancellation of a drag storytime event at Woodleigh School on the Mornington Peninsula, which was supposed to take place this week. Additionally, another event at Eltham library in Melbourne, slated for Wednesday, was compelled to shift to an online platform due to concerns over staff safety amidst threats.
These unfortunate developments mark a distressing pattern, as at least 10 LGBTQ+ events in Victoria have suffered cancellations or postponements over the past six months due to targeted actions by far-right groups. The harassment was triggered by a Herald Sun article disclosing Woodleigh School’s intention to host drag performers Frock Hudson and Dolly Diamond as part of their observance of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Subsequently, a series of organized responses from right-wing fringe factions prompted the intervention of Victoria police, who advised canceling the events to prevent potential altercations or disruptions as threatened by the opponents of such storytimes.
Rod Davies, the deputy principal of Woodleigh School, highlighted the institution’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing their endorsement of the yes vote for marriage equality. Meanwhile, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) announced its intention to hold a meeting this week, bringing together mayors from across the state. The primary objective of this gathering is to equip the mayors with strategies for managing aggressive behavior. Notably, the session will feature contributions from the police and an extremism expert, who will address the growing safety risks associated with such incidents.
As discussions surrounding far-right targeting of LGBTQ+ events persist, Victoria’s government finds itself entangled in a dispute with the Greens regarding the reform of vilification laws within the state. Taking a proactive stance, the Greens introduced a bill to the parliament’s upper house that seeks to amend anti-vilification laws, extending protections to individuals based on their gender, sexuality, HIV status, or disability.
Presently, Victoria lacks laws safeguarding LGBTQ+ individuals from vilification, which encompasses the incitement of hatred in public domains, both online and offline. While it is already illegal in the state to vilify someone based on race or religion, no equivalent legal protection exists for LGBTQ+ individuals. Acknowledging the need for change, Victoria’s attorney general, Jaclyn Symes, recently affirmed the government’s commitment to reforming anti-vilification laws, with plans to introduce legislation within the next 18 months.
However, the Greens’ spokesperson on LGBTIQA+ matters, Gabrielle de Vietri, criticized the government for perceived inaction. De Vietri pointed out that the Labor government has been aware of the necessity to expand anti-vilification laws for years but failed to act, resulting in increased audacity from neo-Nazis, the far-right, and even some members of parliament to propagate anti-LGBTIQA+ hate.
In response, Attorney General Symes acknowledged the intricacies involved in crafting anti-vilification legislation, emphasizing the importance of community consultation. The government is actively engaging with religious and racial groups already protected by existing laws, as these groups have expressed dissatisfaction with the current system. Furthermore, efforts are underway to enact a ban on public displays of the Nazi salute, illustrating the comprehensive approach undertaken to address the challenges posed by hate and intolerance.
These recent events underscore the imperative to protect LGBTQ+ spaces and ensure the safety and inclusivity of such events across Victoria. The emergency meeting, alongside ongoing legislative reforms, serves as a testament to the collective commitment of the government, local councils, and concerned individuals to combat far-right threats and safeguard the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.