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Joint statement from the Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Victorians should never feel unsafe for being who they are. What happened in Melbourne on Saturday outside Victoria’s Parliament was a display of hatred, bigotry, transphobia and antisemitism.

20 March 2023

Victoria protects the human rights of all people, and we strongly condemn any form of hate speech, transphobia, antisemitism, islamophobia, any faith-based vilification, racism or other form of discrimination. We have zero tolerance for incitement and vilification in any form.

We respect and celebrate Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities, including the Jewish community.

We also stand with and celebrate our trans and gender diverse communities.

The work to free our state of intolerance continues.

We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to strengthening the State’s vilification legislation, including expanding the banning of the Nazi Hakenkreuz to outlawing the Nazi salute.

Together we are steadfast in our commitment to protect the rights of all LGBTIQ+ people and create a more harmonious society.

Any LGBTIQ+ people and allies who need support are encouraged to reach out to Rainbow Door from 10am to 5pm on 1800 184 527, or QLIFE from 3pm to midnight on 1800 184 527. Support is available for anyone 24/7 from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 12.

Ro Allen (they/them) – Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner

Dr Todd Fernando (he/him) – Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities

Vivienne Nguyen AM (she/her) – Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission

 

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Address
Melbourne Victoria 3000

General enquiries
enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au

Enquiry line
1300 292 153 or (03) 9032 3583

Interpreters
1300 152 494

NRS Voice Relay
1300 555 727 then use 1300 292 153

Media enquiries
1300 292 153

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission acknowledges that we work on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We also work remotely and serve communities on the lands of other Traditional Custodians.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission recognises the injustice resulting from the colonial invasion and occupation of First Peoples’ territories and the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s findings of genocide, crimes against humanity and denial of freedoms.