Party rights explained
A new booklet released by the Inner City Legal Centre will be an invaluable tool for Mardi Gras revellers this year. The publication is a comprehensive pocket guide to partying safely, dealing with sexual harassment and violence and what to do if you are approached by police.
Launched to coincide with Mardi Gras, Party Rights: your legal rights on the scene has been endorsed by the Surry Hills Police as an effective guideline for anyone who encounters difficulties over the Mardi Gras weekend.
The release of the guide comes on the back of warnings from both Surry Hills Police and ACON to stay safe this Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras is a time of celebration for our community but the amount of gay hate crime increases as well, said ACON president Mark Orr.
We’re working with the relevant authorities to provide a range of additional security measures such as information campaigns, extra police patrols and self-defence workshops. However, there are also several personal precautions that people can take to minimise the risk of violence.
He urged people to avoid walking near large groups of young men who might seem dangerous.
Travelling in groups was encouraged as was using taxis or covering up party costumes until arriving at the venue.Superintendent Donna Adney reiterated this advice.
Do the normal things you do to be safe -” don’t walk in parks alone at night, go down main thoroughfares and be aware of your surroundings
But if you become a victim of crime, or witness a crime then ring the police straight away on triple 0 because that way we can get the information immediately.
All I can say is the same thing I’ve been saying ad nauseum. Please, if you are the subject of a crime, report it to police and if you think it’s homophobic-related then tell us, she said.
She also issued a warning to anyone thinking of crimes of violence or bringing recreational drugs into the Surry Hills Command Area.
There is a large police operation occurring for Mardi Gras and there will be lots and lots of cops around all through Oxford St and Hyde Park.
Party Rights is available at Oxford St venues and online from iclc.org.au.
