Intersex councillor awarded intervention against stalker

VICTORIA: Former Hobsons Bay Mayor Tony Briffa has had a court intervention order issued against a person who has been "harassing and stalking" the local politican for the last 18 months.

Briffa (pictured) issued a statement on January 17 claiming the unnamed person had repeatedly contacted her at the Hobsons Bay council offices and threatened and abused her.

Briffa was also attacked over Facebook.

Briffa said the attacks were motivated “purely because of my genetic intersex condition, sexual orientation and gender identity.”

Briffa was born with the rare condition called Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. Although genetically male Briffa was raised as female, undergoing female hormone therapy.

Briffa said the calls received from the stalker were so frightening that she felt unsafe at council meetings and public events during her term as mayor requiring the council to review ways to improve safety.

The intervention’s conditions require the man to remain 200 metres away from Briffa’s home or workplace or harassing, including by email and other electronic media.

In 2011 Briffa was elected mayor of Hobsons Bay, making headlines as the world’s first intersex mayor.

Briffa stood down as mayor prior to the 2012 municipal elections, not seeking re-election but remains a councillor.

Briffa thanked Victoria Police for their assistance, in particular their Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers in providing advice and bringing the matter to the court.

“As a Community Champion for the Say 'No' To Homophobia campaign, I urge anyone experiencing harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behaviours based on their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity to speak out and seek support,” Briffa said.

It has been reported that the man is expected to contest the order at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court in April.