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Violence the Target

NCJ Number
162516
Journal
Criminology Australia Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (Autumn 1996) Pages: 19-22
Author(s)
M James
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes activities at the October 1995 Violence Against Gays and Lesbians conference sponsored by the Australian Institute of Criminology.
Abstract
Conference participants examined the causes and consequences of violence against gays and lesbians, explored models of best practice for reducing this violence, and presented policy recommendations. The Federal Minister for Justice outlined legislation, at both Commonwealth and State Government levels, to prohibit discrimination and prescribe equality of opportunity. The South Australian Commissioner for Equal Opportunity suggested that Australia should incorporate human rights laws in existing laws. A Sydney-based barrister pointed out aspects of the law that actually sanctioned homophobia. A speaker from Victoria University examined homophobic violence against lesbians and the need for research into the interaction between sex/gender and sexuality in hate crimes. The New South Wales Minister for Police spoke of police department initiatives to reduce violence, crime, and fear of crime in gay and lesbian communities.