The Tassie GLBTI community is calling on the Tasmanian Government for funding to develop an anti-homophobia education campaign saying prejudice and violence against GLBTI Tasmanians is higher than in other states.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group representatives Rodney Croome and Working It Out coordinator Susan Ditter told a parliamentary inquiry last month that education was the key to reversing the situation.

Croome said studies show Tasmania is the nation’s most homophobic state and the state with the highest levels of violent assault against GLBTI people.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” Croome said. “Hatred and violence are learnt and they can be unlearnt through effective school and community education programs.”