Queer community warned to stay away from “straight lives matter” rally

Queer community warned to stay away from “straight lives matter” rally
Image: Photo from the rally's Facebook event.

Members of the LGBTI community have been cautioned to steer clear of the “straight lives matter” rally being organised in Sydney tomorrow, with advocates warning it may be staged to deliberately provoke a response from yes voters.

The rally, which has been staged by the far-right Party for Freedom, is slated to be held at Green Park in Darlinghurst.

News of the rally was widely condemned by the LGBTI community and their allies, and in response a counter protest has been organised on Facebook.

Convenor of the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Lauren Foy, urged people to avoid the rally.

“The goal of this group is not to persuade nor debate,” she said.

“It is to provoke a response and increase media attention.

“We know the organisers have a history of provocation and their minds are already made up on marriage equality. We also know these individuals are not approaching us in a respectful, open-minded way to discuss concerns or issues.

“There is no benefit to you hearing, again, the debunked ‘slippery slope’ claims about LGBTI people and marriage equality promoted by this group.”

Foy and the lobby also noted that the organisers of the counter-rally, listed as Anti Fascist Sydney, aren’t affiliated with the Yes campaign’s official group of organisations.

“It should go with out saying that no matter what your political views are, violence and physical intimidation are never acceptable,” Foy said.

“We must remember what this is about – love, dignity, and mutual respect.”

The NSW Police have said there will be a police presence at the event.

“Police are aware of a demonstration planned to take place in Darlinghurst at the weekend and will have a police presence in place, including Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers,” a spokesperson said.

“The NSW Police Force respects the public’s right to protest and is committed to working with all groups with regard to public assemblies to ensure they are conducted lawfully and peacefully.

“Anyone who breaks the law or engages in antisocial behaviour will be dealt with accordingly.”

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2 responses to “Queer community warned to stay away from “straight lives matter” rally”

  1. It seems the advice was followed and not just by our GLTBIQ Community!
    Reportedly just a couple of dozen people – including the organisers – bothered to turn up. Even Australia’s two most prominent Homophobes and Bigots, NSW Upper House Fred Nile and NSW Federal Liberal MP Tony Abbott, failed to show.
    Yes, some clown head-butted Tony Abbott, apparently, according to the head-butter, because he hated Abbott, but the only thing which got hurt was Tony Abbott’s extreme Pride! His life was never at risk.
    Compare that to Kevin Rudd’s godson who was repeatedly and viciously bashed by Abbott’s “No” Campaigners and could have lost his life!

  2. Everyone needs to stay well clear of this event or else it will just give them the ammunition they need and give them better headlines. If we all stay away it will still be reported on but it will be boring and they will look foolish.