Minns Government must defend Divine Playhouse and LGBTQIA+ community against coordinated attacks
The Minister for Music and Night-time Economy John Graham must publicly defend Divine Playhouse, its organisers, staff, artists and patrons from a coordinated campaign of attacks by conservative media commentators and right-wing Christian activists, says Cate Faehrmann Greens MLC and music and arts spokesperson.
Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said the opening of Divine Playhouse should be celebrated as exactly the kind of creative, independent venue Sydney desperately needs more of.
"Divine Playhouse is bringing life, creativity and community into the heart of Sydney. Instead of defending this exciting new venue and the artists behind it, we're seeing a wave of manufactured outrage from dangerous conservative activists who want to police what art can exist and who gets to belong in our city,” said Cate Faehrmann.
"The LGBTIQ community has a long history of creating art that is bold, disruptive, radical and challenging. That's not something to be ashamed of — it's something Sydney should celebrate."
"John Graham has spoken repeatedly about rebuilding Sydney's nightlife and supporting creative communities. Now is the time for him to show some leadership."
"He should make it clear that the government will stand with artists, venue operators and Sydney's queer community, not with those trying to shut them down."
"Also for the Premier to suggest this venue somehow shouldn't have been allowed because the building was once a church is frankly outrageous.
"This building hasn’t been a church for generations. It has been a cultural venue for decades. The idea that politicians should now be weighing in on what sort of art or community activities are appropriate because of a building's former religious use sets a dangerous precedent."
"The Premier should stop pandering to culture-war outrage and stand up for Sydney's artists, performers and queer community."
"We've already seen calls from Family First and other campaigners demanding government support be withdrawn because they don't like the people using the space or the art being produced there."
"Once governments start deciding which artists deserve support based on political pressure, ideology or whether someone finds their work controversial, artistic freedom is in serious trouble."
"The message to Divine Playhouse, its staff, performers and patrons should be simple: we support you, we welcome you, and you have every right to exist and thrive in our city."