The ADC, Australia’s leading civil rights organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has criticised Herald Sun columnist Andrew Bolt for describe as a “Gay Gestapo” a proposed plan by Labor to appoint a watchdog for gay and lesbian rights.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“It is time that commentators stop taking the easy way out by belittling and exploiting the Holocaust. This divisive, inflammatory and ignorant comparison deserves strong denunciation since it goes far beyond mere civil discourse and political rhetoric. There are many ways that we can have a robust and vigorous debate about the SSM and equality, but insulting comparisons to the Gestapo have no place in our society. The suffering and pain of survivors who were the victims of the real Gestapo, and those diggers who fought bravely to defeat the Third Reich, should not be trivialised in order generate headlines. Invoking painful analogies to the Holocaust to criticise a political action adds nothing to the debate since it bears no historical relevance to the issues of the day and only fuels the demonisation of the LGBTI community. As the Nazi state’s secret police, the ruthless Gestapo was part of ‘The Final Solution’, responsible for arrests, deportations, mass murder , including homosexuals. To suggest that this proposed appointment is in any way similar to this notoriously evil organisation, cheapens the extermination of millions. We therefore urge Andrew Bolt to retract his hurtful remarks and to refrain from employing such equations in the future. No discussion, as passionate as it may be, can justify making inappropriate and misguided Nazi analogies.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 03 9272 5677.