Homophobia free zone a hollow gesture, says Mallard

BY PATRICK BILLINGS

While Lord Mayor Clover Moore has supported a move to make Oxford Street a homophobia free zone, Liberal councillor Shayne Mallard has called the plan impractical and tokenistic.

The policy, which may include specially created signage, is still being developed in consultation with community groups.

The Aids Council of New South Wales called for the measure at a recent community forum.

‘Homophobic violence in the Oxford Street precinct has been increasing over the last three years,’ said ACON’s acting CEO Nic Parkhill. ‘By creating a homophobia free zone, we hope to foster a culture of acceptance and one where people recognise the link between homophobic attitudes and violence.’

In passing the proposal, the Lord Mayor said it was largely a symbolic gesture to send a message that homophobia would not be tolerated in the City of Sydney.

‘If people are able to get away with engaging in homophobic abuse, there is a risk they could be encouraged to engage in physical abuse or violence.’

Opposing the decision, councillor Mallard called for greater policing in the area and a police station to be opened on Oxford Street. The Lord Mayor reminded the councillor policing was a state government responsibility.

An internal police investigation into criticism of the Surry Hills command for handling of homophobic violence was launched earlier this year. A month into the investigation Superintendent Donna Adney, and her second-in-command, Shayne Woolbank took over the investigation after its top two officers moved to new roles.

Ms Adney was praised at Monday’s council meeting by Clover Moore and tensions between ACON and the Surry Hills command have apparently eased.

‘The response from local police to this issue has improved over recent months,’ ACON’s Nic Parkhill said. ‘We look forward to working with them in relation to a range of community-driven initiatives, including making the precinct a homophobia free zone.’