Why can’t we hire La Trobe Art Institute venue for Babette Francis talk?
The La Trobe Art Institute auditorium is a lovely, publically funded venue centrally located in View Street, Bendigo and is available for public hire.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I, however, have been refused the use of this venue for an event which the university said would, and I quote, “undermine the inclusive and diverse community that the University seeks to foster”.
Bendigo has the opportunity to hear a world renowned speaker –Babette Francis - address the issue of transgender. Babette is one of the founders, and the National and Overseas Co-ordinator, of the Endeavour Forum Inc, an NGO with special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN.
Endeavour Forum aims to enhance the status of the uniquely female and the traditional women’s roles and to counter the ideology of contemporary feminism whose adherents believe there are no differences between the sexes.
Babette is considered an expert on the women’s movement and has a fascinating story to tell.
But La Trobe, despite stating they welcome diverse opinions, has refused to hire this venue for Babette’s event because “it will not, and again I quote, “align with La Trobe’s equity and inclusion policies” and so “ La Trobe University facilities will not be available as a venue for the event”.
La Trobé’s refusal to hire their venue is a case of using political correctness to facilitate their system of political indoctrination and to justify their intolerance and bigotry.
Your tax dollars are at work but by using political correctness the system functions not to educate but to produce a “group think’” mentality that continues to undermine and discredit our heritage and the values of everyone who does not align with their so called “progressive’”ideologies.
Whatever happened to a “fair go”, freedom of speech and open and public debate?
Sandra Caddy, Castlemaine
‘I consider this an instance of racial, religious and political discrimination’
I have been informed that the La Trobe Art Institute has declined a request from my friends in Bendigo to provide a venue for me to speak on the issue of transgenderism.
I consider this is an instance of racial, religious and political discrimination. For the record, I am Indian by birth (and skin colour), Catholic by religion and pro-life in my political views. I have an honours degree in microbiology and chemistry and what I would like to speak about the health dangers of promoting the ideology of transgenderism, particularly to young children.
Babette Francis, National & Overseas Co-ordinator, Endeavour Forum Inc.
Have your say
Letters must carry the name, full address and telephone number of the author. The writer’s name and suburb/town will be published. Letters may be edited for space, accuracy, clarity and legal reasons. Letters which are deemed inappropriate will not be published.Send letters to Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552 or at bendigoadvertiser.com.au
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.