News & Comment
Staying optimistic – 2
It's the neighbours who are the devils.
Apologies again for my absence the last few weeks. My hope is to blog on a near-daily basis, for the next few weeks at least.
And what better way to kick-off the new decade than with an echo from the old.
Readers will recall the story of Juan and Pedro, a couple from Chile suffering abuse in a government housing block in Hobart.
Now, the plight of Juan and Pedro has been reported in the Chilean press.
According to Diario El Dia, it’s not Tasmanian devils that are keeping J&P locked in their apartment, it's homophobic neighbours.
This is not a good look, particularly for a state that not all that long ago was known internationally as “Bigot’s Island”.
If nothing else moves Housing Tasmania to relocate J&P, perhaps the fear of a return to those days will.
But that won't solve the bigger problem of violent anti-gay prejudice.
Since the decriminalisation of homosexuality 13 years ago, successive Tasmanian Governments have set targets, established community liaison committees and funded some programs, all with the objective of reducing discrimination based on sexuality.
But there is no overall plan, no clear strategy for achieving the targets, and not nearly enough funds.
The state election in March is an excellent opportunity to highlight how and why Tasmania can continue to improve its response to the prejudice which has blighted our reputation for too long.
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Comments
Welcome back Rodney.
You said:
"The state election in March is an excellent opportunity to highlight how and why Tasmania can continue to improve its response to the prejudice which has blighted our reputation for too long."
But how do we do this? The current Labor government appear to be reasonably supportive of our (the GLBT) causes here in Tasmania, but this is countered against the appalling way they are managing most other aspects of government. Whereas the Liberal opposition has made no statement (that I am aware of) that supports or otherwise our causes-their government management skills are unknown at this stage.
The Greens seem to be sympathetic to our causes and from what I have seen reported, the current leader would be a beneficial friend if he was in a position of influence. Of course, like the Liberals, the Greens government management skills are unknown. But I guess the Greens would inject a certain 'freshness' into there management, whereas the Liberals would rely on the same old values based rhetoric we are used to hearing from that side of politics.
