MEDIA RELEASE 29 June 2012
Research Reveals Gays & Lesbians still experience severe discrimination and vilification
Today Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Health and Federal Member for Sydney launched the report, Outing Injustice: Understanding the legal needs of LGBTI communities in NSW. The report was prepared by the Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) based on a survey of over 600 Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in New South Wales.
The report found that:
- 58.4% of respondents had experienced vilification from someone they did not know in a public place.
- Over 10% had experienced physical violence.
- Almost 24% had been discriminated against in a shop, restaurant or other venue.
When launching the report, Ms Plibersek said, ‘LGBTI people have rights and it’s important that they know what they are in order to assert them.’
Ms Plibersek said, ‘We look forward to the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in federal discrimination laws.’ She went on to say that ‘the final step against discrimination is the introduction of Marriage equality for same-sex couples’.
Director of the ICLC, Daniel Stubbs said, ‘Discrimination, harassment and vilification occurs against LGBTI people in regional and remote areas, as well as in Sydney – this research highlights the issues faced by the community and provides recommendations about steps we can take.’
Mr Stubbs also said, ‘There are a range of laws that have been brought in which benefit LGBTI people but many are isolated or simply not aware and so are not enjoying their rights.’
The report’s author, Alana Yap said, ‘The quality and outcomes of Outing Injustice is very much due to the support of LGBTI people and their organisations across NSW who responded to the survey and contributed to the research.’
Media Contact Daniel Stubbs: 02 9332 1966 | 0437 253 543 | dan@iclc.org.au