In a historic first, a majority of local councils in Victoria raised the rainbow flag on Tuesday to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Discrimination Against Intersex People and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).According to the Victorian Pride Lobby, a record 68 of the 79 local councils in Victoria flew the rainbow flag “from town halls, libraries, and even courthouses”.
During the October 2020 council elections, around 270 candidates had signed the Lobby’s Rainbow Pledge and made a commitment to support the issues of the LGBTQI+ community.“We’re proud to again be flying the rainbow pride flag today to mark IDAHOBIT day,” said Wellington Shire Council CEO David Morcom in a post on . “We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer with our people and the community at the heart of what we do.
Organisations who don’t promote and celebrate diversity in all forms are missing out. It just makes sense to do so. IDAHOBIT day celebrates LGBTIQA+ people globally, and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.”Many councils were flying the rainbow flag for the first time.
Mayor Mohya Davies said it was the first time South Gippsland Shire Council had raised the rainbow flag, but it won’t be the last. “It’s just the right thing to do.