Equality Tasmania has condemned anti-gay graffiti sprayed on local election posters in Tasmania’s north.
The graffiti, which included anti-gay and racist slurs such as “f–” and “n—-“, was sprayed on election posters belonging to incumbent councillor Paul Terrett, who is running for mayor of the Northern Midlands Council.
Councillor Terrett said he believed the graffiti may be linked to the council’s endorsement of draft reconciliation and domestic and family violence community strategies.
“Many people say, ‘Why do we need these types of strategies?’ ” he said.
“It really hit me in the face this week that on a couple of my election signs people had put ‘n—-‘ on them. That type of behaviour just shows there is still a degree of hatred and discrimination festering in our community.”
Equality Tasmania spokesperson Rodney Croome said the graffiti demonstrated that discrimination and hatred remained present in Australian society.
“The anti-gay graffiti against Cr Terrett is a reminder that hate didn’t disappear with marriage equality.”
“This kind of graffiti will discourage LGBTIQA+ people from standing for public office, which will be a loss for the whole community.”
“I urge community leaders to speak out against this attack to send a message that hate is no longer acceptable.”
“I also urge Northern Midlands Council to develop an LGBTIQA+ inclusion plan similar to those adopted by other Tasmanian councils.”
A complaint has been made to police.
Tasmania Police have asked anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers and quote reference OR 813739.
Police are investigating reports that several signs and other property in the Perth area of Tasmania were graffitied overnight between 6pm on August 15 and 9am on August 16.
