The ADC has registered its deep concern about the alarming rise in the use of the Nazi swastika in the SSM debate. Over the last week, homes, universities and public transport have been defaced with the universal symbol of hate in Sydney, Brisbane and Tasmania, targeting the LGBTI community and those in the YES campaign.
Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“As Australia’s leading civil rights organisation, with a longstanding commitment to defending the LGBTI community from hatred and vilification, the proliferation of the Nazi swastika in anti-gay activity and the SSM debate is a grave cause for concern. While anti-Semitism is at the core of their vile ideology, Neo-Nazi and extremist nationalist groups share a virulent homophobia, perceiving gays and lesbians to be their natural enemies, undermining and weakening the white-race and its purity. The same -sex marriage conversation in Australia has allowed this type of reactionary prejudice, based on fear and demonisation, to explode and to take centre stage. For seventy years, the swastika has served as the ultimate and most notorious symbol of Hitler’ regime, responsible for the widespread persecution of homosexuals and the murder of about 15,000 in concentration camps, and its use is an effective propagandistic way for bigots to identify with the Third Reich, create a sense of intimidation in the community, draw attention to their dangerous agenda and recruit young people.”
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading civil rights organization fighting racism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677.