WA: Perth Lord Mayor snubs gay press

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-1999
WA: Perth Lord Mayor snubs gay press

PERTH, April 18 AAP - Perth Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass has been urged to resign by the
homosexual community after claims he refused to talk to the gay press.

Gay and Lesbian Equality spokesperson John Derry said homosexuals were outraged and
insulted by Dr Nattrass' snub to the Westside Observer, WA's gay community newspaper.

"The only comment in the gay press from Dr Nattrass is that he refuses to comment and as
voting is likely to be very close in this election, the so called gay vote could be the
deciding factor," Mr Derry said.

Dr Nattrass has denied the claim, saying when approached by the Westside Observer it was
about the Gay and Lesbian Pride parade which fell under the jurisdiction of a fellow
councillor.

However Mr Derry said the Lord Mayor's snub was a symbolic slap in the face for
homosexuals.

"Dr Nattrass is a man who has a history of antagonising the gay community," he said.

AAP ajm/trm

KEYWORD: MAYOR

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