Gympie backlash

City’s image damaged
07.09.2005
The Gympie Times
Story: Arthur Gorrie

COOLOOLA Shire Councillors are not the only ones to take offence at Cr Owen’s claims that homosexuals are less than human and have only the right to die.

Yesterday’s weekly council meeting formally received two protest letters on what their authors called Cr Owen’s “disturbing and hateful comments” and “grubby views not welcome in this day and age”.

Meagan Probert wrote from Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley to urge Mayor Mick Venardos to complain to the Anti-Discrimination Commission “on behalf of all the lesbian, gay and bisexual people within your local council area”.

Rosalie Morgan, of The Palms, said Cr Owen’s expressed opinions were “a disgrace, absolutely ignorant, dark and vile”.

Also unimpressed with the “no comment” attitude of some other councillors, Ms Morgan asked: “What right has this yokel to air his regressed views on anyone?

“Can you imagine the impression this tirade has done for Gympie’s image?

“How dare this person ignite such hate?

“We as ratepayers pay your wages and expect council to get on with the business of taking care of this region – not casting themselves as Moral Avengers, barging behind closed bedroom doors.

“Get over yourself councillor,” she wrote.

Ms Probert said Cr Owen’s comments “would be considered an act of vilification under the Anti-Discrimination Act 2003.

“His comments are very hurtful and would cause great distress to any gay person, their friends or family members.

“As the Mayor, I believe you have responsibility to take leadership to stamp out homophobia within your community.

“Another step would be to write to The Gympie Times condemning the words and actions of Ron Owen and assuring the gay people of the Cooloola Shire that they are valued and equal members of the community and that it is not acceptable that an elected representative on the council holds these views and expresses them publicly.

“I also call on you to ask for the resignation of Ron Owen in response to his unlawful vilification of gay and lesbian people and ask for him to stand down from his position as there is no room in this society for such hateful people.”