The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading civil and human rights organisation fighting anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms, has expressed its dismay with a Bill Leak cartoon, published in the Australian newspaper, in which he portrays same sex marriage advocates as Waffen SS soldiers.
Dr. Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“I recognise how irresistible the Nazi analogy is for cartoonists looking to generate shock and headlines and to grab attention. But no matter how strong Leak’s objections to marriage equality advocates and their tactics, to compare them to the Waffen SS, part of Hitler’s bestial regime and responsible for the murder of millions, only adds to the cynical debasement, twisting and abuse of the Holocaust so prevalent today. To draw such repulsive equations is deeply offensive, shows a gross lack of understanding of the historical truth, and only fans the flames of hatred and demonisation of the LGBTI community. It also insults the memory of the victims, which included gay people, as well as hurts the survivors and all those who fought valiantly against the Nazis in WWII. Such analogies are totally unacceptable, even in satirical cartoons, and only serve to coarsen public debate. They have no place in Australia’s civil discourse and must be repudiated.”
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting racism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 0410 539 015