Transgender advocates have called on Victoria Police to investigate transphobia as a motivation for the leaking of photos of high-profile former football player and coach, Dean Laidley.
A senior constable with Victoria Police has been stood down and an investigation will be conducted into the taking and leaking of police photos of Laidley presenting as a woman at the time of their arrest.
Victoria Police Minister,
Lisa Neville, has dismissed concerns about transphobia saying, “I think this had much more to do about football than it did about anything else".
Veteran transgender advocate and just.equal spokesperson, Martine Delaney, said the minister's dismissiveness of transphobia sends a negative message.
"Ignoring the likely transphobia behind this incident sends a message to trans sportspeople and police that the authorities don't care about the prejudice and discrimination they face."
"Victoria Police must investigate transphobia as a motive, and do more to challenge transphobia in its ranks."
"We call on all Australian police services to implement nationally-consistent and high-standard training for police in transgender issues."
"The fact this occurred just days after Victoria adopted a new progressive law recongising transgender people, shows law reform must be accompanied by campaigns to improve attitudes and practices."
