Tue, 20 July 2004

Press Release: LILAC Closure a Shame

PrideAlliance is disappointed that the LILAC Lesbian Library has been forced to close. LILAC was obliged to move out of its central Wellington premises this weekend due to rising rents, and has not yet been able to find a suitable replacement.

"LILAC provided an excellent service for Wellington's lesbian community," said PrideAlliance spokesperson Kelly Buchanan. "It's a great shame that it has had to go in to hiatus, and we're not impressed that the City Council has allowed this to happen."

The library was at one point hoping to move in with the Wellington Women's Centre, but along with many other community groups the centre is also looking for new premises, after the City Council sold the building that hosted them. While the centre has found a potential new venue, its long term future is in doubt as it will have to pay market rents without council subsidy after the first year.

"It looks to us like Kerry Prendergast and her friends on the City Council are guilty of hypocrisy," said Ms Buchanan. "Kerry is eager to court the queer vote with appearances at the Gay and Lesbian Fair and patronage of GAP, but in practical terms her actions as Mayor have been harmful to the queer community."

We encourage anyone who may be able to assist with a new space for the library to contact LILAC, whose web site is located at http://lilac.wellington.net.nz/

ENDS

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