Zero tolerance for homophobic violence

BY ALEX BLUCHER

Liberal councillor Shayne Mallard says he is insulted by a council plan to make Oxford Street a homophobia-free zone.

Cr Mallard believes the city’s proposal is flawed, and is demanding a council-funded and enforced zero tolerance policy to tackle homophobic abuse.

The Liberal mayoral candidate told The City News he himself has been a victim of homophobic violence: “I come at this from a very strong view. I am a gay man myself, I’ve been a victim of violence.”

In 1999, Cr Mallard was standing at Taylor Square when two men ran across Oxford Street and knocked him to the ground.

Councillor Phillip Black, who tabled the homophobia-free zone strategy, did not respond to Cr Mallard’s criticisms.

In a press release last week, Cr Black claimed the homophobia-free zone could be a logo-based campaign using posters, stickers and t-shirts, and would need the support of local businesses.

But Cr Mallard said Oxford Street businesses are already struggling to survive.

He said: “The real problems with homophobia are out on the footpath, around the side streets and from the passer-by vehicles. I don’t think that pushing it back on the businesses is fair.”

Avra Gravanis, 31, was recently assaulted outside The Gaff on Oxford Street. She said: “He broke free from his friends then he ran up and punched me square in the face, in the jaw. The guy was proud of it.’

Meanwhile, the Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project is backing the campaign. Project co-ordinator Nancy De Castro said: “Having an indication that Oxford Street is a homophobia-free zone will address the fear that gay people feel and will alert people that homophobic behaviour will not be tolerated.”

But Cr Mallard believes the funds needed to establish the homophobia-free zone could be put to better use.

“Not only are we taking money in from rates on Oxford Street, we actually own half the street in Darlinghurst. So we should be taking a greater responsibility for street safety.”