In the Eltham community, it’s simple: Hatred is not welcome, and equality is not negotiable.
Vicki Ward MP, Member for Eltham, today said, “Today we celebrate IDAHOBIT Day, but every day we stand in solidarity with our diverse and beautiful Queer Community. We are sending a strong message to those who aim to hurt our rainbow community that their hate is not welcome.”
The powerful demonstration seen outside of the Eltham Library today by the Rainbow Community Angels and our local community demonstrated the sheer strength and support the Queer Community has right here in Eltham and across the state.
“Thank you to the Rainbow Community Angels for their presence today at the Eltham Library, to the community who stood in solidarity and to Victoria Police for your commitment to protect the safety of all involved,” said Vicki Ward MP.
“I also want to thank our wonderful librarians and staff for their amazing support of our community. They were incredible during lockdown, supporting so many people, and they have stepped up again, putting up with awful comments and threats in the face of their kindness.”
The event today was a response to the bigotry and hate directed at the Eltham Library and the broader LGBTIQA+ community for hosting Rainbow Storytime in celebration of IDAHOBIT Day – an optional and inclusive event.
“This bigoted behaviour is not welcome in our community; it will not be accepted. No person should be subject to this in their workplace or should feel unsafe in our community for being who they are or loving who they love. That includes my staff, Shire of Nillumbik staff and Library staff. I thank everyone who joined with me and Kate Thwaites MP to decorate the exterior of the library with rainbow butterflies on Monday evening and the huge amount of people who came to the library in support of our rainbow community today,” said Vicki Ward MP.
The Eltham Community is renowned for its inclusivity and is not afraid to stamp out negativity and hate. In 2016 the community came together to reject racist and hurtful actions directed towards refugees by meeting hate with peaceful actions, including butterflies in recognition of the Eltham Copper Butterfly.
Vicki Ward MP is the State Member for Eltham and has passionately represented her community since 2014. For all media enquiries, please contact [email protected] or call 9439 1500.
