Today, Dr. Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, issued the following statement in response to the Homophobic flyers left on car windscreens at AFL grounds after St Kilda revealed it would host the league’s first Pride game against Sydney this month.
“In the aftermath of the shattering Orlando massacre, it is profoundly disturbing to witness such hateful rhetoric that will shock the conscience of all good people across this city. This cowardly vandalism shows that Melbourne is not immune to such deliberate and targeted bigotry and that intolerance against the LGBTIQ community is a persistent and frightening reality in Australia. It underlines the need for government and individuals to do more to counter this kind of sickening vilification that goes against our fundamental values of decency, acceptance and respect. The LGBTIQ community is an essential part of the diverse and multicultural fabric of Australia, and it’s crucial that we not only speak out against such discrimination that is aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability, but that we redouble our efforts in educating about the harm such unchecked prejudice causes. We urge all leaders to publicly declare that such bigotry is not welcome here and that together we will reject destructive, hurtful expressions.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677