(Sydney, Australia) The biggest investigation into anti-gay violence in Australia since 1994 shows there is virtually no change in the level of homophobia.

The study, undertaken by the New South Wales Attorney-General`s department, shows that about 56 per cent of the gays and lesbians questioned had experienced some form of abuse – almost the same figure as in 1994.

75 per cent of respondents did not know the perpetrators, the investigation found.

The report, You Shouldn`t Have to Hide to be Safe, showed young gays and lesbians were most vulnerable to discrimination. Schools and religious institutions were seen as typical venues of abuse.

Gay and lesbian rights lobby co-convenor Rob McGrory said the report should ring alarm bells.

He said it revealed a failure by the NSW Government to stem the tide of homophobic hate in the community.

"Violence against gay men and lesbians ... has remained at alarmingly high levels since this sort of hate violence was first documented," he said.

by Peter Hacker, 365Gay.com News centre, Sydney, Australia Bureau, ©365Gay.com® 2003