Advocates say cancellations may embolden anti-LGBTQ+ groups to target other events and state needs stronger anti-vilification laws
LGBTQ+ advocates are urging the Victorian government to do more to protect the queer community after threats from far-right groups led to five Melbourne drag events being cancelled in the past six months.
“Councillors and staff have received messages that nobody should be expected to receive in their workplace, as have our LGBTIQA+ community. In recent days these threats have escalated to direct threats of violence involving the event itself.” Over encrypted messaging app Telegram, far-right groups celebrated Monash council’s cancellation, proclaiming it “a victory” and promising to campaign against future queer events.
A spokesperson for Victoria police said it held a state-wide meeting last month for council employees to provide advice and support on hosting LGBTQ+ events, including by preparing safety plans and risk assessments. They are also preparing a notification form to help event organisers arrange police support, the spokesperson said.
He called for laws protecting LGBTQ+ people from vilification, which covers inciting hatred in the public sphere, whether online or on the steps of parliament. Vilifying a person because of their race or religion is illegal in Victoria. Omar Hassan, a spokesperson for Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, said it was “irresponsible” of councils to continue to “cede to the demands” of the far right.Victorian Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri, accused the state government of lagging on anti-vilification.
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