Victorians should never feel unsafe for being who they are.
What happened in Melbourne on Saturday outside Victoria’s Parliament was a display of hatred, bigotry, transphobia and antisemitism.
Victoria protects the human rights of all people, and we strongly condemn any form of hate speech, transphobia, antisemitism, islamophobia, any faith-based vilification, racism or other form of discrimination.
We have zero tolerance for incitement and vilification in any form.
We respect and celebrate Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities, including the Jewish community.
We also stand with and celebrate our trans and gender diverse communities.
The work to free our state of intolerance continues.
We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to strengthening the State's vilification legislation, including expanding the banning of the Nazi Hakenkreuz to outlawing the Nazi salute.
Together we are steadfast in our commitment to protect the rights of all LGBTIQ+ people and create a more harmonious society.
Any LGBTIQ+ people and allies who need support are encouraged to reach out to Rainbow from 10 am to 5 pm on 1800 184 527, or from 3pm to midnight on 1800 184 527. Support is available for anyone 24/7 from Beyond on 1300 22 4636 or on 13 11 12.
Dr Todd Fernando (he/him) Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities
Ro Allen (they/them), Commissioner, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Vivienne Nguyen AM (she/her), Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson
Reviewed 21 March 2023