Gays and lesbians will be singled out for self-defence classes to protect them from violence on one of Sydney's most popular party strips. Sydney City Council is also planning to increase the number of homosexual "safe places" as part of a strategy to improve safety for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community on Oxford St. While crime continues to plague the area, there will be no effort to target straight people living in Darlinghurst to offer them the same protection. Statistics show almost 2000 incidents were reported along Oxford St between June 2005 and July 2006, with more than half of them involving stealing or assault. There was no breakdown on whether the crimes particularly targetted gays. While businesses in the area struggle to attract visitors during the day, more than 10,000 people converge on the strip every Friday and Saturday night. Now the area's gay and transgender community claim they no longer feel the area offers them a safe haven. The Street Smart Self Defence Course For GLBT is part of a draft Oxford St safety strategy aimed at improving on a $24 million facelift completed in the area last year. But after being questioned by The Daily Telegraph, a council spokesman said if approved, hetrosexuals would not be banned from the classes. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said other ideas included increasing council ranger patrols, while security staff at clubs and pubs will be encouraged to take a greater role in responding to crime. Upgrades already completed include widening of footpaths, additional lighting and street furniture. Darlinghurst Business Partnership chairman Andrew Duckmanton said he welcomed the defence classes but believed the course should be made available to the wider community. However, Co-ordinator of the lesbian and gay Anti-Violence Project Carl Harris said while crime figures were down across the state homophobic hate crimes were on the increase. Businesses along Oxford St would be encouraged to join a safe place program which would provide a haven for homosexuals "when actual or threatened violence occurs". Ref: The Australian (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 1st February 2007 - 12:00pm