JCCV seeks guidance on gay issues
THE Jewish Community Council of Victoria is to establish a reference group to better understand the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of the community.
AJN STAFF
THE Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) is to establish a reference group to better understand the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of the community.
The announcement follows a meeting last month between senior members of the JCCV and a number of people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian.
Describing the discussions as “frank and wide ranging”, council president John Searle said participants agreed to set up the roundtable to address issues of vilification and discrimination against gay or lesbian Jews, and to look at the mental health implications of exclusion based on sexual preference.
“Commencing in early 2010 this reference group will explore and develop strategies to address these issues as they relate to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, with a view to bringing together appropriate partnerships with service providers in the community.”
While the make-up of the reference group has not been finalised, Michael Barnett, the head of Aleph, a Jewish group for gay men, said it was his understanding he would not be included in the group.
“John Searle does not want to talk to Aleph,” he claimed.
Barnett, who has been engaged in ongoing dialogue with the JCCV president as well as other members of the Jewish community, public office holders and leaders in the gay and lesbian community, has repeatedly accused some communal organisations and individuals of homophobia.
Searle, however, reiterated his commitment to fighting prejudice and discrimination, whatever its form.
“The vilification of any members of the Victorian Jewish community is intolerable,” he said.
“The JCCV recognises that its role extends beyond the so-called mainstream and intends to work with all its members in ways that are acceptable to the entire community.”
As to gay or lesbian Jews who may feel alienated from communal organisations, he added: “One of my main ambitions on assuming the presidency of the JCCV was to bring disconnected Jews back to our community, a difficult task by definition.”
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