Survey documents anti-lesbian/gay violence

Issue 

Survey documents anti-lesbian/gay violence

By Kath Gelber

Violence against lesbians and gay men is "endemic" according to a report released in Victoria by Gay Men and Lesbians Against Discrimination (GLAD). The report found 70% of lesbians and 69% of gay men have been verbally abused, threatened or bashed, and this is more likely to occur if they are open about their sexuality.

More than 1000 Victorian gay men and lesbians were interviewed for the survey. 45% had experienced discrimination or harassment in the workplace, including job loss, because of their sexuality.

The report was launched by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations. It calls on the federal government to enact anti-discrimination legislation to protect gay men and lesbians in the areas of education, housing and the provision of goods and services.

Problems with the police were also reported, including inadequate service or refusal of service due to sexuality. Such problems perpetuate violence because lesbians and gay men are unlikely to report or follow through on charges relating to violence against them.

The report confirms the findings of earlier studies, such as "The Off Our Backs Report" released by the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby in September 1992. All of the respondents to the survey which formed the basis for this report said it was their lesbianism, not their gender, which motivated and prompted attack(s). The report made 34 recommendations including changes in the law, policing, housing, education, and all levels of government.

The NSW Gay and Lesbian Teachers and Students Association (GaLTaS) conducted the "School Watch" report into anti-gay and lesbian violence in schools, which shows that the situation in private and church-run schools is extremely serious. Incidents include expulsion, students being pushed down stairs, and in one case the murder of a gay man by some students from a private Catholic school.

Yet current NSW anti-vilification legislation specifically exempts private schools and church organisations, a situation which in the opinion of many makes the legislation "toothless".

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