'Obeying the word of God': Sydney shop refuses to print WorldPride flyers
The owner of a printing store in Sydney's CBD has refused to make copies of a WorldPride poster as the city marks the launch of the groundbreaking global event.
Skater Leo Bunch emailed retailer Kwik Kopy to ask for a quote to print his roller derby flyers, but was shocked when she received an email refusing her request.
Kwik Kopy franchisee owner Wing Khong told 9News he stood by his decision to reject the order based on his "religious beliefs".
READ MORE: Sydney WorldPride 2023: Key events, tickets, performers and everything else you need to know
Kwik Kopy refuses to print Sydney WorldPride poster Nine
"There was no offence meant," Khong told 9News.
"Everyone is entitled is to their own position.
"I don't believe it was discrimination, rather I was just obeying the word of god."
Kwik Kopy management has since denounced Khong's "position" and said it was not reflective of the company's values and code of conduct.
Rejecting the job may also be unlawful, with the 1984 Sex Discrimination Act stating that it is illegal to refuse goods or services based on sexuality or gender.
Today marks the start of Sydney's 2023 WorldPride festival.
The 17-day mega-event - which celebrates queer acceptance and visibility - will attract an estimated 500,000 participants, inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the New South Wales economy, and will host the largest ever LGBTIQ+ human rights conference in the Asia-Pacific.
It's also the first time an LGBTIQ event of this scale will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
You can read all of 9News' WorldPride coverage here.
READ MORE: All the best free, family-friendly and ticketed events this WorldPride
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
