Australia’s “Homophobic Free” Zones May Backfire

Sydney, also known as Australia’s gay capital, felt the wrath of a rebel city councilor due to plans to create ‘homophobia-free zones’ in the heart of its bar and nightclub district.

Earlier this month, the city’s council voted 5 to 4 to designate parts of the city “homobia-free”. The parts they included are frequented by Syndney’s GLBT community. The measure was set as an attempt to deter violence, abuse and harassment towards homosexuals.

The plan, designed in cooperation with members of the GLBT community, encourages local businesses to use stickers and other signs to declare their support for the gay community. It also extends the council the right to revoke late-night business privileges for venues whose patrons commit homophobic attacks.

However, some rebel councilors believe the plan could backfire and lead to more attacks on homosexuals. “The young men who come in from outer suburbs to drink alcohol and assault gay people are not going to be deterred by a sticker in a window,” said counci lor Shayne Mallard.

“Because they already have homophobic and violent tendencies, it’s more likely to be a provocation,” he told The Australian newspaper.

“Lots of people in the gay and lesbian community fear it will provoke more violence… we’ve had enough of these PR stunts.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who backed the proposal, said while all areas of Sydney were technically homophobia-free zones, the new strategy recognised the importance and strength of the city’s gay, lesbian and bisexual community.

“If people get away with homophobic abuse, there is a strong risk that they move on to physical abuse and violence,” she said in a statement. “We must stop it before it gets to that stage.”