Briffa wins restraint order

Hobsons Bay councillor and LGBTI advocate Tony Briffa has welcomed an intervention order from Sunshine Magistrates’ Court against a man allegedly stalking the councillor for the past 18 months. The order makes it illegal to come with 200-metres of Briffa after receiving homophobic abuse and threatening calls.

“This person contacted me and the council offices many times over the last 18 months and repeatedly abused and threatened me,” Briffa said.

“He also attacked me on my official Facebook page and said things against me purely because of my genetic intersex condition, sexual orientation and gender identity.

“His calls were so abusive I felt unsafe at council meetings and public events during my term as mayor, resulting in the council officers and I reviewing ways to improve my personal safety.”

As a No To Homophobia ambassador, Briffa urged anyone experiencing bullying or harassment because of their sexuality to speak out and get help.