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August 25, 2008 8:12 AM
SYDNEY - Australia's gay capital Sydney is set to try and enforce homophobia-free zones which may see clubs and hotels lose their licence if patrons commit homophobic abuse or violence.
The move will focus on the city's main gay precinct Oxford Street, site of the world's biggest gay and lesbian Mardi Gras each year, and other areas deemed gay and lesbian precincts.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the move recognised the "essential gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender character of Oxford St" and was a response to gay men who had written to her about homophobic abuse at nightclubs, said www.news.com.au.
Sydney's gay media routinely run stories of homophobic
abuse in Oxford St and the gay community has worked with police
for several years to try reduce abuse along the strip.
The council will consult with police, the Aids Council of
NSW and other community groups to develop the strategy.
The move could require local businesses to use signs and
stickers to declare their premises homophobia free and to
include anti-homophobia measures in staff training.
Sydney city councilor Phillip Black, who proposed the plan,
said the idea was similar to alcohol-free or nuclear-free zones
that already exist in the city.
"At this point, the ball is with council staff to develop a
proposal that will come back to council over the next few
months, but it could involve stickers, badges, posters and
T-shirts similar to the Safe Place pink triangle campaign,"
Black said.
"We have to create awareness that homophobia is not
acceptable," he said.
Sydney Drag Queen Maxi Shield, a City of Sydney Oxford
Street Safety ambassador, welcomed the idea but called for more
police on the street to protect gays.
"More education in anything doesn't go astray, but we need
both awareness and more police," Shield said. "We need more
police presence and safety measures, not just putting a label
on it."
(Reuters Life!)
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