- Banned
- #1
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=27838
Gay activist targets Laws, Newman slurs
17:48 AEDT Wed Jan 5 2005
Media personalities John Laws and Sam Newman may face legal action in Tasmania over comments alleged to have incited hatred against gay people.
Gay activist Michael Dempsey filed complaints with the state's anti-discrimination commission, claiming both men made comments last year which breached Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Act.
The complaints follow similar action by Sydney activist Gary Burns, who described the Tasmanian complaint as a lovely surprise.
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Mr Dempsey said he was concerned about the effect the broadcasters' comments would have on gay and lesbian people in the community.
While Mr Laws had already taken out an advertisement in Sydney's gay papers apologising for his comments, Mr Dempsey said Tasmanians had not seen any similar action.
"We are looking for action here so the community is aware that (Mr Laws's and Mr Newman's comments are) unreasonable," he said.
"If we get one victory as happened in Sydney, then that is certainly a win and sends a very clear message to broadcasters and commentators that these comments are unreasonable and not appropriate in this country in the 21st century.
"This is about vilification and protecting vulnerable members of the community, not a person's right to express an opinion."
Rodney Croome of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group said the complaint would send a strong message that slurs, abuse and hateful speech against sexual minorities were equal to discrimination against racial minorities.
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So what will happen is that each state can take their turn? It was always my belief that a law could only be applied once and in the case of the media , in the place the offense took place or the business address.
I also find it ironic that for a group wishing to rid itself of the soft/limp wristed tag they allow themselves to have the label ''vulnerable' attached.
Gay activist targets Laws, Newman slurs
17:48 AEDT Wed Jan 5 2005
Media personalities John Laws and Sam Newman may face legal action in Tasmania over comments alleged to have incited hatred against gay people.
Gay activist Michael Dempsey filed complaints with the state's anti-discrimination commission, claiming both men made comments last year which breached Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Act.
The complaints follow similar action by Sydney activist Gary Burns, who described the Tasmanian complaint as a lovely surprise.
------------ ------------------------------------
Mr Dempsey said he was concerned about the effect the broadcasters' comments would have on gay and lesbian people in the community.
While Mr Laws had already taken out an advertisement in Sydney's gay papers apologising for his comments, Mr Dempsey said Tasmanians had not seen any similar action.
"We are looking for action here so the community is aware that (Mr Laws's and Mr Newman's comments are) unreasonable," he said.
"If we get one victory as happened in Sydney, then that is certainly a win and sends a very clear message to broadcasters and commentators that these comments are unreasonable and not appropriate in this country in the 21st century.
"This is about vilification and protecting vulnerable members of the community, not a person's right to express an opinion."
Rodney Croome of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group said the complaint would send a strong message that slurs, abuse and hateful speech against sexual minorities were equal to discrimination against racial minorities.
________________________________________________________
So what will happen is that each state can take their turn? It was always my belief that a law could only be applied once and in the case of the media , in the place the offense took place or the business address.
I also find it ironic that for a group wishing to rid itself of the soft/limp wristed tag they allow themselves to have the label ''vulnerable' attached.
