Statement from Sam Duckor-Jones on the attack on Gloria, the pink church…

On the night of June 2 2022, four men attacked my home with antisemitic and homophobic graffiti while I slept inside.  A burned rainbow flag was left staked out the front.

I live in a deconsecrated church that I have turned into an art project.  It is commonly known that I am a member of the LGBTQI+ and Jewish communities.

The four men planned the attack on my home for weeks, including, getaway driver and change of clothes.

The attack left me feeling shaken and vulnerable.  But the community response was immense and loving and I quickly recovered.

The men were arrested shortly after.  I expressed to police that I was unconcerned about any damage to property but that rather I was concerned about the nature of the attack – a hate crime.

Read Sam Duckor-Jones’ full statement on the NZ Jewish Council website here.

Read an earlier article on this issue here: Two men escape conviction for homophobic, antisemitic attack on Greymouth’s pink church