The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, John Chedid, is facing negative backlash after his office requested a banner – which offered support for the LGBT community, be taken down. The Twenty10 banner – which stood at a community festival – was deemed ‘offensive’ for reading:

‘Support service for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people, their families and community. ‘A place to be me, with the support I need.’

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Twenty10 is a non-for-profit organisation that supports people of diverse sexuality, shortly after removal requests an online petition was launched in support of Twenty10 – demanding that the council apologise for comments which have been viewed as homophobic.

The petition launched on change.org has gathered 5000+ signatures over the weekend, you can sign it here.

Managing director for Twenty10, Terence Humphreys, emphasised how ‘truly offensive’ the demands were, ‘for the office of the Lord Mayor to display such homophobia and transphobia is appalling. These are extremely marginalised and vulnerable members of our community and they deserve our support, and not blatant discrimination like this’.

The rapidly growing petition was launched by Sydney woman Josie Aldred, who stated ‘The banner was simply offering support for the LGBT community, and provided a URL to find out more information. LGBT youth need to know that there is help out there for when they need it. This is 2013 – surely we’re beyond the point of stifling basic human rights and the freedom to express individuality’.

The Paramatta City Council has responded to the criticism, explaining to Q News that requests to have the banner removed were by community festival organisers, ‘In response to numerous complaints made by members of the public’.
‘At no stage did the Lord Mayor or council staff ask Twenty10 to quit their participation at the event’, says a council spokesperson.

‘Council regrets any inconvenience or offence taken by its actions and values the efforts, and contribution of Twenty10 in servicing at-risk youth. Council has enjoyed a positive relationship with Twenty10 over some time and hopes to continue to work in partnership over the coming years.’

Nadine Walker