A 17-year-old boy has been identified as the person allegedly responsible for slashing Pride flags in Launceston’s Brisbane Street Mall, Tasmania Police have confirmed.
The incident occurred at 4am on June 5, just hours after the rainbow flags had been raised by the City of Launceston council to celebrate Pride Month.
A Tasmania Police spokesperson said the youth “will be subject to diversionary action under the Youth Justice Act, in relation to two counts of destroy property.”
“Tasmania Police thank members of the public who came forward with information that assisted in identifying the individual involved,” they added.
Police said they will “continue to work closely with community stakeholders to ensure public spaces remain inclusive and respectful for all”.
Equality Tasmania spokesperson Rodney Croome had described the vandalism as “extremely disappointing” and a “hate-motivated attack”.
“The vandalism is a reminder of why pride month is so important,” Croome said at the time
He expressed hope that the incident would strengthen community support for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
“Most people will abhor this act of vandalism and I hope it will galvanise support for LGBTIQA+ inclusion,” he said.
