By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Monash Council has cancelled this month’s drag storytime event, citing repeated threats of violence against councillors, staff and the performer.
Chief executive Andi Diamond on 4 May said it was “incredibly disappointing” but there was “no choice” but to call off the IDAHOBIT event at Oakleigh Library after a briefing by Victoria Police on the risks to staff, attendees and facilities, according to the council.
Recently, Casey Council also cancelled drag workshops on advice from Victoria Police after alleged threats and intimidation.
Chief executive Andi Diamond apologized to the LGBTIQA+ community for the outcome.
She said in recent days, threats had escalated to “direct threats of violence involving the event itself”.
The storytime attracted “significant attention with hateful and threatening commentary and misinformation spread online, via email and directly over the phone”.
“Councillors and staff have received messages that nobody should be expected to receive in their workplace, as have our LGBTIQA+ community.”
Dr Diamond said the storytime was designed to introduce children to “diverse role models” and to “encourage acceptance, love, and respect of our LGBTIQA+ community”.
“It is so disappointing that some people have a long way to go before this is achieved.
“We understood this was not for everyone and scheduled it outside our regular library programs so that parents planning to bring their children were making a deliberate choice to attend.
“Unfortunately, some in the community were not willing to allow that choice. In the end we were unable to guarantee that we would be able to hold the event safely.”
Premier Daniel Andrews responded in Parliament that he was saddened by the turn of events due to protesters’ “ugly” and “shameful” conduct, including “death threats against council officers and councillors”.
“If you want to behave like the worst elements of the Floridian Republican Party, get to Florida. Head over there, where your hateful views might be worth something. They are worth nothing here.
“It is not about free speech. This is hate speech plain and simple. It is wrong. It is out of step with the values of fair-minded, decent mainstream Victorians. It is on the fringe.
“Let us send the clearest message that equality is not negotiable, and despite the carry-on and the shameful behaviour of a small few, this government and this community remain committed to every single Victorian no matter who they are or who they love.”
Monash had been resolutely backing the event even after a recent council meeting was temporarily suspended amidst intense heckling from a packed, heated public gallery.
Senator Ralph Babet, who was among the protesters, said the meeting showed “overwhelming public displeasure” against the storytime.
“Public concern centred around the use of ratepayer money to host what many residents believe is inappropriate content for children aged 1-6.
“I have received an overwhelming amount of communication from concerned parents and grandparents on this issue.
“Some have attempted to paint those opposing this event as right wing, but they really are just concerned mothers, fathers and grandparents.
“I condemn the far left extremists who have attempted to hijack this event and stoke violence.”
“It is time for a civilised debate where both sides of the argument can be heard and respected.”
Mr Babet said he was advocating for the “innocence of children”.
“We have a duty to ensure that the content our children are exposed to is age-appropriate and not confusing.
“The only thing a 1-6 year old should know about sex and gender is that girls have cooties and boys are gross!”
Recently, Casey Council cancelled a beginners workshop series The Art of Drag in April and May due to “community safety” concerns.
Casey also acted on advice from Victoria Police after alleged threatening phone calls, emails and physical intimidation by opponents.
To mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Day, Greater Dandenong Council will raise the ‘Pride’ flag and illuminate Drum Theatre in rainbow colours.
