Protection for Oxford Street gays

IT'S official - Sydney's famous Oxford Street is a homophobia-free zone.

City of Sydney council has declared the Oxford Street neighbourhood and other recognised gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender precincts free of homophobic abuse. The notion was put forward by Councillor Phillip Black this month.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore has made a pledge to collaborate with police, businesses, gay rights organisations and the community to implement the homophobic-free zone, which includes Oxford Street and parts of Darlinghurst, King Street, Newtown, and Erskineville Road, Erskineville.

"Homophobic abuse is often a precursor to violence," Cr Moore told Government News. "While all areas of NSW are technically homophobia-free zones, this strategy recognises the importance and strength of the GLBT community in our city."