The Human Rights Commission has condemned an alleged violent attack on staff and patrons at a gay bar in Wellington, New Zealand on August 22nd
The Human Rights Commission has condemned an alleged violent attack on staff and patrons at a gay bar in Wellington, New Zealand on August 22nd, reports TVNZ One News.
Steven Mawhinney, a bar manager at the Ivy Bar, said a group of men came into the venue without realising "what sort of bar it was.”
Mawhinney initially made the men leave but they returned soon after, reportedly throwing cans of alcohol at patrons.
An argument then broke out and when Mr Mawhinney tried to intervene, he was set upon by the group.
Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley said New Zealand's excellent human rights record is worthless if such blatant homophobia is still taking place.
"We value our freedom in New Zealand and that includes being able to live our lives free from fear. Respect for others is a founding principle of human rights – you don't pick and choose who deserves dignity and who doesn't."
According to Stuff.co.nz, police arrested a 23-year-old man on the night of the incident and charged him with two counts of common assault. The man was released on bail and was due to appear in the Wellington District Court last Friday.
Earlier this year, a 30-year-old Minneapolis gay man was beaten unconscious in a brutal attack after leaving a gay bar.
