WA: the most homophobic state
By Corinne Glenn
PERTH — Since the repeal of Tasmania's anti-gay legislation on May 1, WA has the less than honourable title of being the most homophobic state in Australia.
The age of consent in WA for gay men is 21, compared to 16 for heterosexual men. WA's anti-discrimination legislation does not include gay men or lesbians, meaning it is perfectly legal to harass gay men and lesbians, refuse to employ them or sack them.
The Court government objects to the inclusion of gays and lesbians in the anti-discrimination legislation on the grounds that it would encourage people to be gay.
Gay and Lesbian Equality (GALE) and the Australian Council for Gay and Lesbian Rights (ACGLR) are preparing for a High Court challenge to the age of consent legislation.
To raise funds for the legal challenge, ACGLR staged a debate, posing the question, "Is political correctness dead?". Tasmanian gay activist Rodney Croome came over for the event, held at Connections Nightclub on June 25.
Asked about lessons that could be learned from the success of the Tasmanian campaign, Croome replied, "Media, direct action and confronting our opponents! We need to campaign by combining grassroots action with national and international action."
GALE and Queer Radical have picketed the WA Tourism Commission, which has spent $3.2 million on getting Elle McPherson to promote WA as a tourist destination, yet the homophobic legislation is stopping gay men and lesbians coming to WA.
Queer Radical has been trying to politicise the gay and lesbian community. It is organising a fanzine for Pride month (now open for contributions), an alternative Pride party and an action or public forum around the legislation.
Gay and lesbian activists are planning for a long fight, but are confident it can be won. In Croome's words, "This can take a couple of years, but the pressure will build up and the 'Berlin Wall' will fall".