Good gosh... lucky I frequent another one!
*jokes*
MP's letter fuels gay-hate: activist
15:58 AEST Mon Apr 12 2010
www.ninemsn.com.au
A South Australian Labor minister's election campaign letter could lead to gay-hate murder at an Adelaide beachside park, a gay activist says.
Gary Burns, the man who took radio broadcaster John Laws to court for calling gays "pillow biters", fears someone - gay or straight - could die as a result of minister Tom Koutsantonis' letter.
Police have already contacted gay publications to inform them of attacks apparently targeting gays at the park.
On one occasion a man was assaulted with a metal bar.
Another male sitting in his car was set upon and punched repeatedly by three men.
On February 18, during the SA election campaign, Mr Koutsantonis sent constituents a letter calling on them to report people displaying "lewd" activity in Apex Park at West Beach.
The park was being used as a "beat", a regular meeting ground for homosexual activity, he said in the letter.
"The men who loiter at this notorious Burbridge Road haunt have no respect for you and your family," the letter said.
"Much to my disgust, the park has been littered with used condoms, lubricants and soiled tissues."
Mr Koutsantonis, the minister for small business, said he was working with the police to combat the "vile" behaviour, but he called on locals to note down the car registrations of drivers cruising the area.
Mr Burns said such a letter would incite homophobic individuals to take vigilante action and could lead to murder.
He lodged a complaint with the South Australian Equal Opportunity Commission late last week.
"This minister is not fit and proper to represent the people of West Torrens," he told AAP on Monday.
"The premier, Mr (Mike) Rann, should step in and dismiss him because if there's a gay-hate homicide in this park this minister has contributed to it."
People who were homophobic would go to the park looking to hurt someone, he said.
Mr Koutsantonis should be working with police and other agencies to do a risk assessment, then discouraging bad behaviour in the park to prevent someone being killed, Mr Burns said.
"I'm trying to promote tolerance and understanding for homosexuals," he said.
"I understand if you raise fear in someone, fear's bastard child is hatred. If you fear something you'll hate it, and you'll want to hurt it.
"There will be a gay-hate homicide in this park. And the person who dies may not even be gay."
Mr Koutsantonis said his letter, which encourages people to report activity to relevant authorities, was discouraging vigilantes.
"If people witness an illegal activity, of course they should report it, no matter what it is," he said in a statement to AAP.
"Having sex in a public place, especially one where children gather, is wrong - homosexual or otherwise.
"I am certainly not homophobic and have supported gay rights in parliament.
"This is not about sexuality. It is about stamping out an illegal activity and preventing children from being exposed to lewd acts and health risks."
The local community has taken steps to make the area safer, including trimming trees and installing a toilet block with automatic doors.
