Aussie tribunal okays gay bar ban on heterosexuals and lesbians
The Peel Hotel won an exemption from the Equal Opportunity Act to refuse entry to heterosexuals and lesbians so as to prevent insults and abuse directed toward gays in its bars and nightclubs, owner Tom McFeely said.
The landmark decision by a civil tribunal gives the establishment — which does not offer accommodation — the right to refuse entry to people considered a threat to the safety and comfort of its patrons.
“The hotel predominantly markets itself towards homosexual males and we want to protect the integrity of the venue as well as continue to make the men feel comfortable,” McFeely said.
“When large numbers of heterosexuals or even lesbians are in the hotel that changes the atmosphere and many gay men can feel uncomfortable.”
Helen Szoke, the chief executive of the Victoria state government’s Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, said the Peel Hotel’s gay clientele had experienced harassment, hostility and violence. “(They) have felt as though they’ve been like a zoo exhibit with big groups of women on hens’ parties coming to the club.”
McFeely said his aim was not to ban all straight patrons and lesbians but to limit their numbers so gay men could freely express their sexuality.
He said he expected a backlash from other patrons, but added: “I’m not worried about it because to be frank I don’t really care what heterosexuals or lesbians think.
“My main motivation is to protect my gay male customers and I realise heterosexuals and lesbians may be upset. but I don’t care about that.
“We are open at 8.00pm and we go all the way through till the morning. We have two dance floors — it is a nightclub environment.”
McFeely said it would be easy to sort out desirable gays from undesirable straights and lesbians.
Human rights group Liberty Victoria supported the decision, vice-president Michael Pearce said.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
