Warning: Graphic language
Police are appealing for public assistance after a wave of offensive graffiti targeted the Imperial Hotel and political posters across Sydney’s inner west between the weekend and early Tuesday morning.
Dozens of locations in Newtown, Enmore and Erskineville were vandalised with homophobic slurs and Nazi-related symbols. Among the sites hit was the iconic Imperial Hotel, a well-known queer venue in Erskineville, where a black swastika was found painted on the exterior wall.
NSW Police have released CCTV footage of a man seen near Erskineville Road about 1.50am on Tuesday, who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his early to mid-20s, about 180cm tall, of medium build and with mid-length brown hair. He is depicted wearing a black hoodie, black shorts and black thongs at the time.
As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information, CCTV, and/or mobile footage is urged to contact Newtown police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Richie Haines, chief operating officer of Universal Hotels, told Gay Sydney News that the graffiti was widespread and not directed at a single location.
“Notwithstanding, the entire Universal Hotels and Imperial team condemn these cowardly actions in the strongest possible terms,” Haines said.
“There is absolutely no place in our society for such senseless hate and intolerance.”
NSW Police confirmed that further incidents were reported early Tuesday and that an investigation is under way.
“At this time, police have located 27 political posters, two structures in Newtown and a sign outside a hotel on Erskineville Road, Erskineville, that have been vandalised with offensive symbols and words,” a spokesperson said.
One of the political figures targeted was openly queer Greens candidate Luc Velez, whose poster was defaced with a homophobic slur.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve been called a faggot and it won’t be the last,” Velez told Gay Sydney News.
“This targeted campaign shows just how important it is for us to fight back against an emboldened far right.”
Velez said part of his reason for running was to make sure queer voices weren’t sidelined by major parties.
“I put my hand up to run because our community has been let down by the major parties. From anti-discrimination protections to access to gender-affirming care, queer rights have been put in the too hard basket,” he said.
“When the major parties go silent on queer rights, the far right steps into the vacuum. We need to push back.”
Federal MP for Sydney Tanya Plibersek also condemned the attacks.
“It’s particularly concerning to see this graffiti on businesses and places that have made a point of being welcoming, safe spaces,” Plibersek told Gay Sydney News.
“Any vandalism of electoral signs is not okay. It’s not how our community participates in our democracy.”
Greens Senator Dr Mehreen Faruqi was also targeted, with offensive slurs scrawled across her campaign posters. Several other Greens materials were defaced with swastikas and extremist imagery.
The incidents are being investigated under NSW’s recently strengthened hate speech laws, which came into effect last month. Offenders face penalties of up to $11,000, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
Gay Sydney News reporter