ADELAIDE — Homophobia is alive and well within the South Australian Police Department, according to a special survey compiled by Lesbian and Gay Community Action.
Speaking on August 25 at the launch of the report, Professor Wilson, a widely published and well-known criminologist, said 50% of crimes against gays go unreported.
There is only one police liaison officer for anti-homosexual crimes in SA. The report recommends contact officers at every police station.
ADELAIDE — According to the Criminal Law Sentencing Act, judges are to consider the impact of the crime on the victim when sentencing, but in a survey of 15 district attorneys and judges, a South Australian judge admits to discounting a rape survivors statements. "I never bother to read them. To me it is a political thing to appease the feminist lobby in rape cases."
ADELAIDE — Aboriginal sacred site claims have been thrown into turmoil by drastic cuts to the state Aboriginal Affairs Department. At least eight specialists have been cut since December. The cuts have resulted in problems obtaining information at a time when mining and development companies are now demanding clearance on sacred sites before investing.
State Aboriginal affairs minister Michael Armitage says that it is up to private companies to investigate Aboriginal heritage issues before seeking development approval.
Investors fear a repeat of the Hindmarsh Bridge, where the federal minister stopped the bridge because of its impact on Aboriginal sacred sites.
PERTH — Juan Ferrer, a Rastafarian, had possession of cannabis charges and a smoking implement dismissed on August 18 after he argued that the drug was an integral part of his religious beliefs. Ferrer explained to the Perth Magistrates Court that Rastafarians saw cannabis as one of God's natural products, and it was incorporated into religious ceremonies, meditation and discussions. Ferrer did not publicly flout the law and did not try to impose his views on others, he told the court. Ferrer did have to pay court costs of $115.