January 24, 2016
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has today expressed its outrage at the violent beating of a gay man in the St Kilda Botanical Gardens. According to media reports, Danny Levi Bryce-Maurice was viciously attacked in the St Kilda Botanical Gardens by a group of men and had his nose broken in what has been described as a hate crime.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“We are outraged by this reprehensible assault that will shock the conscience of all good people across this city. It shows that Melbourne is not immune to such deliberate and targeted hate. Our hearts go the victim of this vicious beating and we pray for his speedy and full recovery. This crime is a brutal reminder that anti-gay bigotry and violence are a persistent and frightening reality in Australia and that we all must do everything we can in countering this kind of sickening conduct. Bias motivated attacks have a significant and unique impact on the entire community and are aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability. The LGBTI community is a vital part of the diverse and multicultural fabric of Australia, and it’s crucial that we not only take a stand and speak out on bias against LGBTI people, but that we redouble our efforts in educating about the dangers and consequences of such unchecked prejudice. We hope that Victoria police apprehends the perpetrators quickly and that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and racism.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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or visit our website at antidef.org.au