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LGBT Club's Lease at Old Sydney Church Terminated Due to 'Offensive Trade'
Organisers say more than 17,000 people have signed a petition and a fundraiser has raised over $36,000 as supporters plan a protest.
- On Monday, the Sydney LGBTQIA+ arts venue Divine Playhouse was forced to vacate 420 Kent Street after its lease was terminated. Landlord KCSYD Pty Ltd cited an 1842 New South Wales law regarding "offensive trade" to justify the eviction, giving founder Kat Dopper three days to clear the premises.
- Christian groups targeted the venue earlier this month, claiming its choice of location "mocks religious faith." Property owners then issued a breach notice alleging the club caused "grievance and disturbance to owners of adjoining properties and to the general public."
- More than 17,000 people have signed a petition supporting the venue, while a fundraiser has raised more than $36,000 to cover legal costs and losses. Supporters argue the "offensive trade" provision has never been tested in court for moral offensiveness.
- Founder Kat Dopper called the termination "unlawful and unjust" and is organizing a peaceful "sing-in" rally in Hyde Park at 12pm this Saturday, July 25. The venue's closure prompted event cancellations and triggered planning for a community response.
- Dopper questioned the future of queer art, stating, "If a landlord's personal beliefs can shut down an arts venue, no stage in this country is safe." Organisers are now seeking new premises while considering a legal challenge against the owners.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Queer festival’s lease cancelled under obscure 18th century law
Days out from eviction, Divine Playhouse has put a call out for a new home in the Sydney CBD.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Divine Playhouse given days to vacate Kent St building for 'offensive trade'
Dean Arcuri Sydney queer performing arts venue, Divine Playhouse, has had its lease terminated by its landlords, Revelop, and has been given […] The post Divine Playhouse given days to vacate Kent St building for ‘offensive trade’ appeared first on QNews.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left7Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Left
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources lean Left
70% Left
L 70%
R 20%
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