[Greens-Media] Anniversary of George Duncan's Untimely Death Tomorrow

[Franks, Office]

May 9, 2013

RELEASE: Anniversary of George Duncan's Untimely Death

Tomorrow (May 10, 2013) marks the 41st anniversary of Adelaide University law lecturer Dr George Duncan's death - an important moment to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to overcome homophobia and ongoing discrimination towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) South Australians, says Greens' Gender and Sexuality spokesperson Tammy Franks.

"Forty-one years ago Dr Duncan fell victim to a heinous hate crime when he drowned in the River Torrens after being assaulted and thrown into the river," Ms Franks said.

"At the time, homosexuality was still a criminal offence and anti-discrimination laws were non-existent.

"He was attacked simply because he was suspected of being gay and the three police officers who allegedly attacked him were never tried for his murder.

"George Duncan's tragic and untimely death marked a watershed moment in South Australia, sparking much community outrage, so much so that by 1975 we had become the first state to fully decriminalise homosexuality.

"Following this, in 1984, the first anti-discrimination laws preventing discrimination on the basis of sexuality were passed by the South Australian Parliament.

"The anniversary of Dr Duncan's death is a reminder that while we have come a long way, there is more to be done to overcome discrimination towards the LGBTI community.

"Many South Australians still face prejudice, discrimination and even persecution and violence because of their gender or sexual orientation.

"There's still many more issues to be addressed in order to achieve full equality for the LGBTI community in this state, including equal marriage laws and the removal of the archaic homosexual advance defence.

"Next month I will bring both my Marriage Equality Bill and my Bill to do away with the so-called 'gay panic' defence to a vote in the South Australian Parliament. By voting to support these important Bills, members can strongly show that they reject discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation once and for all."

The University of Adelaide Student Representative Council will hold a Memorial Service for Dr Duncan at the George Duncan Memorial on Victoria Drive at 10am tomorrow (Friday), followed by a morning tea at Rumors Café in Union House.

Media enquiries - Lauren Zwaans ph: 0457 549 938

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