03/15/2002 "KIRBY DEFENDED AS HUMAN RIGHTS HERO"

Kirby defended as a human rights hero
- TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP (Media Release)

Tasmanian gay activists have leapt to the defence of High Court judge, Michael Kirby, following accusations that he solicited young male prostitutes while a NSW District Court judge.

According to Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Mr Rodney Croome, Justice Kirby has made an invaluable contribution to the global human rights movement.

"Justice Kirby has been a compelling advocate against bigotry, repression and ignorance wherever he finds them", Mr Croome said.

"His well reasoned and humane contribution to the gay law reform debate in Tasmania helped the state break out of the cycle of bitterness and division which surrounded the issue and move forward to embrace its gay and lesbian citizens."

Mr Croome believes the accusations against Justice Kirby are cowardly, inspired by homophobia and timed to deflect attention from the Government's handling of the Hollingworth affair.

"Michael Kirby is a noble, high-minded and hard-working Australian, and it is tragic that smaller, meaner people are trying to sully his name out of unthinking prejudice."

"Given Michael Kirby's high profile as an openly gay public official this is clearly an attack on the entire gay and lesbian community."

"How long will gay men in public life have to put up with being unjustly condemned before the immense contribution they make to Australian is recognised and valued?"