Victorian Government urged to fly rainbow flag for IDAHOBIT

Advocates have called on the Victorian Government to fly the rainbow flag from Parliament to mark this month’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexism (IDAHOBIT).

The Victorian Pride Lobby has asked the state government to follow the lead of more than 40 councils across the state in flying the flag on May 17. 

The councils have made the commitment in response to the Lobby’s Rainbow Local Government campaign, which encourages improving inclusivity for LGBTIQA+ people by pledging their support to flying the rainbow flag from council buildings on awareness days. 

The Lobby recently celebrated the biggest week yet in its campaign, with councils across the state supporting a number of LGBTIQA+ reforms. 

Port Phillip City Council reversed an earlier decision and threw its support behind investigating inclusivity accreditation, establishing an advisory committee, developing an action plan, facilitating flying the flag on awareness days, and continuing support for the state’s major pride festival, Midsumma. 

Wellington Shire Council and Moira Shire Council announced that they would fly the rainbow flag to support their local communities on IDAHOBIT. 

Manningham City Council also agreed to fly the rainbow flag on IDAHOBIT, with only Councillors Geoff Gough and Anna Chen voting against this action. 

Finally, Ballarat City Council unanimously agreed to establish an advisory committee and action plan, thanks to strong backing from the local LGBTIQA+ community. 

“Local councils across Victoria are stepping up in support of their LGBTIQA+ residents, and it couldn’t come at a better time,” said Pride Lobby Convenor Nevena Spirovska. 

“With Midsumma underway and IDAHOBIT and Pride March around the corner, it’s important that all levels of government show solidarity with LGBTIQA+ communities. 

“Flying the rainbow flag from Victorian Parliament will send a strong signal that prejudice and discrimination against LGBTIQA+ people is not tolerated in Victoria.” 

The Lobby has put the call out to both Minister for Equality Martin Foley MLA and Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane MLC.