Victorian Local Government Minister, Melissa Horne, has condemned the cancellation of an IDAHOBIT event being hosted by Monash Council following threats of violence.
The Council yesterday announced that its Drag Storytime event had been cancelled following a briefing by Victoria Police.
Monash CEO, Dr Andi Diamond said the decision was made in consultation with Victoria Police following repeated threats of violence and intimidation against Councillors, families booked to attend the event, the drag performer and Council staff.
“This event has attracted significant attention with hateful and threatening commentary and misinformation spread online, via email and directly over the phone. It is incredibly disappointing to have to cancel an event designed to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia but we were left with no choice after Victoria Police advised Council of the risks associated with holding the event,” said Dr Diamond.
“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.”
Dr Diamond said the storytime event had been designed to introduce children to diverse role models and encourage acceptance, love, and respect of the LGBTIQA+ community.
“It is so disappointing that some people have a long way to go before this is achieved.”
“We understood this was not for everyone and scheduled it outside our regular library programs so that parents planning to bring their children were making a deliberate choice to attend. Unfortunately, some in the community were not willing to allow that choice. In the end we were unable to guarantee that we would be able to hold the event safely.
“I apologise to our LGBTIQA+ community for this outcome. I hope they understand we did not make this decision lightly and we share their disappointment; Council remains committed to delivering on the outcomes and goals of our recently endorsed LGBTIQA+ Action Plan,” said Dr Diamond.
Minister Horne said it was unacceptable that the Council had been forced to cancel an event celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia due to threats from fringe groups.
“While public debate is fundamental to democracy, there is never room in this state for hate speech, intimidation, or violence,” said Minister Horne.
“Yesterday, the Victorian Liberal Party were supported by the Greens on a Non-Government Business Motion to control the services councils can operate – allowing future governments to shut down family-friendly events like Drag Storytime.
“We cannot allow the worst of American politics to infiltrate our state.
“We have been clear, in Victoria equality in non-negotiable. We have banned the cruel and bigoted practice of conversion therapy, delivered adoption equality and an historic apology for gay convictions in the Victorian Parliament.”
Minister Horne said the fight to make sure all LGBTIQ+ Victorians were equal, visible, safe and celebrated was far from over.
“We will work with Victoria Police to ensure the safety of LGBTIQ+ performers,” she said.
“We will continue to protect councils’ right to program events which celebrate LGBTIQ+ Victorians, increase visibility and uphold our diverse communities’ rights, identities and dignity.
“And we will continue to work to extend anti-vilification protections beyond race and religion to protect LGBTIQ+ Victorians and other vulnerable members of our community.
“To our diverse LGBTIQ+ communities and to every drag performer in the state – you are accepted, supported and loved.”
Victorian Minister for Equality, Harriet Shing echoed the Local Government Minister’s statements.
“We’re proud and determined to stand with LGBTIQ+ communities against discrimination and hate and to make sure they are supported, visible, and safe,” said Ms Shing.
