The Anti-Defamation Commission has called on Australian mayors to join its historic initiative Mayors United Against Hate which condemns bigotry and commits the signatories to fight and counteract the rising tide of intolerance in Australia. Glen Eira Mayor Mary Delahunty is the first to sign the declaration that was drafted by ADC Chairman Dvir Abramovich. Mayor Delahunty will also be writing to her counterparts urging them to come on board. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, who support the campaign, will ask his fellow Lord Mayors around the country to sign the statement.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“Mayors United Against Hate is a principled affirmation by municipal leaders that they will do everything possible to combat the cancer of bigotry. Intolerance is not a passing phenomenon that we can dismiss, and so we call on mayors across the country to add their name to this far-reaching statement and to say in one voice that racism and discrimination are incompatible with our nation’s democratic and pluralistic values. By signing on, mayors will be sending an unmistakable message to their communities that they are committed to promoting respectful co-existence and will never allow prejudice to obtain a foothold in Australia. We deeply appreciate the conviction shown by Mayor Delahunty in championing this initiative.”
Parts of the letter penned by Mayor Delahunty read:
“As civic leaders we should be ready to set standards and live by those standards. This public declaration binds us together, shows our values and importantly it certifies that we refuse to be bystanders in the face of prejudice. The Anti-Defamation Commission is to be commended for their ongoing innovative work to create a country that celebrates diversity and equality.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on(03) 9272 5677.