Thursday, 23 March 2023

 Josh BULL (Sunbury) (09:52): We stand against bigotry, against hate speech and against those who target and aim to humiliate some of our most vulnerable community members. We have seen the devastating impacts of questioning people’s trans identity and trans people’s right to participate in society as their authentic selves. It causes very real damage for people who are already experiencing enormous amounts of stigma, shame and discrimination. We will not take a backward step in supporting our LGBTIQ+ community, and we will not negotiate on equality and on people’s fundamental right to be who they are. We of course have our 10-year plan for equality Pride in our Future, and we will continue breaking down barriers so that all Victorians can live safely.

Those who attended Saturday’s protest to spread hate, division and fear should be ashamed of themselves. Those who stood with neo-Nazi sympathisers should be ashamed of themselves. This government will stand with every Victorian with love, with kindness and with compassion, because we know that our trans community needs us. We know that each and every Victorian deserves to be the person they are, free of violence, of hate, of fear. To those who attended on Saturday, you should hang your heads in shame.