We were deeply disappointed to hear that Adelaide Convention Centre are hosting a book launch featuring prominent anti-transgender activist Graham Linehan.
Linehan, widely known as the writer behind sitcoms like Father Ted and The IT Crowd, has focused his recent years on campaigning against trans and gender diverse people, framing “transgender ideology” as harmful, criticising transgender women in women-only spaces and the medical treatment of transgender young people. Linehan states that he is a “victim of cancel culture” and claims his views have led to the end of his marriage and collapse of his TV career (The Independent, 13 October 2023).
The book tour is being organised by the recently formed Free Speech Union of Australia who state their mission is to “promote Free Speech across Australia, as well as helping to ensure challenging perspectives, such as Gender Critical Viewpoints, can be freely discussed”.
We wrote to Adelaide Venue Management (AVM) to express our concerns that the venue is being used to platform a speaker known for his hate speech and harassment towards LGBTIQA+ communities. Read our letter here.
We received a response stating that:
“unless an event is clearly breaking the law or endangering public safety, it is not Adelaide Convention Centre’s role to police content.”
Adelaide Venue Management also reiterated that:
“our organisation is a proud inclusive employer and supports and celebrates all areas of diversity and inclusion, including – as you mention, hosting several important events for the LGBTQIA+ community – something that I am proud to say will continue.”
You can read the full response from Adelaie Venue Management (AVM) here.