LGBTQIA+ people in NSW need safety, as a minimum
Like so many of you, I am sickened by the news of surging gay hate crimes on the streets of Sydney in 2026.
Young gay and bisexual men are being lured via dating apps and bashed.
This abhorrent hatred isn’t new. LGBTQIA+ communities have long been reporting increasing prejudice, discrimination and hatred.
Chris Minns has said he won’t allow a situation in NSW where people are being targeted because of their sexuality. Before rushing through any new offences, he must release the report of the Sackar review of criminal law protections against the incitement of hatred, which has been gathering dust on the government’s desk. And he must legislate the anti-discrimination protections that LGBTQIA+ communities have been calling for for years.
But we can’t simply arrest our way out of discrimination and hate. LGBTQIA+ events and community initiatives have been cancelled across the state because of lack of funding, and threats by far-right extremists. Support for these initiatives that improve safety, well-being, inclusion and visibility, and that bring us together, have never been more urgent.