More Information:

Alexandra Sosnov
(Co-Convenor)
0418 207027

Anthony Schembri
(Co-Convenor)
0412 523 978

PRESS RELEASE - 13 March 2002

Attack upon Justice Kirby Condemned

The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) has condemned Senator Bill Heffernan’s cowardly attack upon Justice Michael Kirby in yesterday’s parliament.

Co-Convenor, Alex Sosnov said, “this cowardly and unsubstantiated attack upon Justice Kirby is totally out of line and unacceptable”. Sosnov continued, “Senator Heffernan has hidden behind parliamentary privilege to vilify and assault Justice Kirby in a totally homophobic and slanderous manner”.

Co-Convenor, Anthony Schembri demanded, “Prime Minister Howard reprimand Senator Heffernan immediately and stop his public attacks upon not only Justice Kirby but all gays and lesbians in Australia”. “The Prime Minister must publicly reassure all Australians that attacks upon lesbians and gays are not acceptable and his Government will live up to it’s election promise of governing for all Australians and this must include all of us regardless of sexual orientation”.

Schembri warned that the, “relationship between hate speech such as this and hate violence can not be underestimated”. He continued, “when community leaders and Government leaders attack openly gay and lesbian people it legitimates bigotry and can only further marginalise our community.”

“Not only has Senator not followed due process he has again drawn the incorrect and stereotypical association between gays and child abuse – yet the reality is, as reported by state child welfare agencies, that child abuse is primarily abuse perpetrated by heterosexual men against young girls”, said Sosnov.

Schembri said, ‘it’s outrageous and shameful that a senior government figure will attempt to discredit and harm the tremendous and courageous work of Justice Kirby especially his dedication to human rights in Australia and overseas”. “I’m sure most reasonable Australians will also be outraged by this example of blatant homophobia – and will feel such attacks reflect poorly of Senator Heffernan rather than upon Justice Kirby” said Schembri.