Sydney Declares Oxford St as Homophobia-Free Zone

The City of Sydney has taken the unusual step of declaring Oxford Street a homophobia-free zone in a bid to tackle anti-gay violence.

The homophobia-free zone motion was put forward by Cr Phillip Black at a recent forum for the gay community, receiving support from other community groups along with the council’s endorsement.

The Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said the declaration of the zone, coupled with the Oxford Street Safety Strategy which came into effect last year, would help Sydney take a more proactive approach towards protecting the minority group.

“Homophobic abuse is often a precursor to violence…While all areas of NSW are technically ‘homophobia-free zones’, this strategy recognises the importance and strength of the GLBT community in our City,” Cr Moore said.

Read the rest at governmentnews.com.au.