Aussie State to Expand Laws Protecting Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity
Australia’s state of Victoria, one of the country’s biggest cultural draws, is set to expand its hate speech laws to protect sexual and gender identity.
The Victorian government is set to expand the state’s hate speech laws, which would offer better protections for both the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities. It’s also welcome news for the organizers of the state’s LGBTQIA+ events.
The current laws, specified under the Racial and Religious Tolerance act, currently only protect people who may be vilified based on their race or religion. The new expansion would include gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and disability.
Victoria, Australia, hosts a slew of queer calendar events, including Melbourne Pride, Midsumma Festival, Melbourne LGBTQ+ Fashion Week, St. Kilda Pride, Melbourne Queer Film Festival, and the ChillOut Festival, held in rural Daylesford. Also in rural Victoria is Drag’d Out Beechworth, a queer, inclusive festival which celebrates all people within the LGBTQI+ community and their allies.
Under the new laws, police would only need to prove incitement of hatred or threats of physical harm or damage. Complaints could be made for behavior that occurs in private or public, including online.
In a statement made to the ABC, CEO of Transgender Victoria, Son Vivienne said they were looking forward to supporting the proposed changes.
“It’s really deep and powerful when we see lawmakers actually acknowledge our right to be the way we are regardless of how we present, or our pronouns, or our names.”
For a guide to LBGTQ+ Melbourne, go here.
