Transgender woman challenges election ads

[TheBattler]

Just found this article on the ABC Website:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200604/s1614344.htm

The Anti-Discrimination Commissioner believes there may have been a breach of the Act during the recent Tasmanian election campaign.

Commissioner Sarah Bolt has decided to investigate a complaint about the religious group, the Exclusive Bretheren.

The Christian group backed several newspaper advertisements expressing alarm about the Tasmanian Greens' policies on same-sex marriages and sex-change operations.

The ads were signed by a member of the Exclusive Bretheren, Scottsdale farmer Roger Unwin.

The complainant, transgender woman Martine Delaney, says the material could incite hatred.

"We have a right to freedom of speech in this society but that comes with a social responsibility," she said.

"In this instance he's vilified a minority group which already faces a lot of discrimination."

Commissioner Bolt says from the evidence she has received it is possible there has been a breach of the Act.

She is seeking submissions from both parties.

Mr Unwin has not returned the ABC's calls.

The Commissioner has not yet made a decision about a separate complaint about a Liberal Party pamphlet.

[Kate Thomas]

Alice
I am glad to see that Ms. Delaney has chosen to confront such negative publicity. I give her my best wishes and hope other good citizens will take her stance.

Kate Alice