Newtown rally to protest homophobia
There will be a rally staged in Newtown to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia.
Starting at 6pm on Friday, May 16 the march will move from Gloria Jean’s on King Street down to the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre where Greens member Kerry Nettle and speakers from the Socialist Alliance will talk about the future fight towards ending homophobia.
International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is celebrated annually on 17 May in remembrance of the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1991 to formally remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. Started in Canada by the Foundation Emergence, IDAHO does not have a particularly strong following in Australia, though many would share the sentiments of equality and gay rights celebrated by the day.
The rally, to be staged in Newtown the night before IDAHO, will start outside Gloria Jean’s in recognition of Gloria Jean’s association with the anti-gay Hillsong church and the recent decisions to exempt religious organisations from anti-discrimination legislation.
Hoping for a good turn-out, the major drawcard for the evening will be local Greens member Kerry Nettle’s speech.
We are still a long way off from achieving full equality for the LGBTI community and consigning homophobia to the dustbin of history, Nettle told Sydney Star Observer.
While important inroads have been made, it’s important not to lose track of the bigger picture, and that is to end all discrimination.
Law reform is a really important step towards ending homophobia. Discrimination is entrenched in our legal system and that effectively condones the homophobia we see. Which is why, with the gains made in recent times, this year’s IDAHO events are sure to have a celebratory feel to them.
