Bayside City Council removed this photo of 16-year-old Zaina Amro from its website because NINE people complained – about her necklace.
The necklace is so small you need a magnifying glass to see it is a symbol of Palestine.
The photo was on the cover of the council’s physical and digital magazine – the digital version has been scrubbed and a new print version will be released.
A media release announcing Zaina as the winner of a youth participation award has also been taken down.
In a council document, you can see an outline of what happened when the photograph was published. It shows the names of the nine people who complained about the necklace and the council apologising for causing them distress. There’s no regard for Zaina at all.
Zaina’s volunteer work as a council youth ambassador inlcudes organising school holiday events for children, running activities at a public housing estate and volunteering at council arts events and music festivals. She’s a literal warrior and queen!
“They said it was because my necklace was ‘political’ and that they couldn’t promote anyone’s political agenda,” Zaina said.
“They’ve disregarded all the hard work and time I’ve given to this council and this community.
“They didn’t acknowledge what they’d done or the impact this has had on me. They should have the common sense and decency to understand the impact this would have on a young person and how it put me in harm’s way.”
❤️SUPPORT MY WORK❤️
I need your help to support The RED HEART Movement and Australian Femicide Watch. You can donate or buy a t-shirt! 100% of money raised funds RED HEART and Australian Femicide Watch.