Adjudication No. 492 (May 1991) [1991] APC 27

ADJUDICATION No. 492 (May 1991)

Mr Roger Sawkins complains of an article entitled "Death called a telephone number on a toilet wall" which appeared in the Courier-Mail of 23 April 1991. The story examined the problems, especially the risk of physical violence, that homosexuals face in Sydney.

Mr Sawkins complains of the prejudiced use of stereotypes, viz.,

'Oxford Street, the main Darlinghurst thoroughfare, is lined with clubs, bars and saunas which are the home of legions of "gays" dressed in their uniform of skin-tight leathers and cut-off denims.'

He further claims the article is biased journalism which is intended to perpetuate inaccurate myths about gay people.

The Courier-Mail denied the report was biased and stated Darlinghurst has a wide reputation for homosexual activity.

On balance the Press Council felt the article endeavoured to highlight the violence that homosexuals were experiencing in Sydney and the efforts being made to overcome prejudice against them. The paragraph in question while colourfully written was not considered to be prejudiced or stereotypical. The complaint is dismissed.