'We will not be silenced': police respond to threat made against LGBTI radio station

A Melbourne-based LGBTI radio station has vowed to keep broadcasting despite 'threat' made to their station earlier in the week.

File image Source: AAP

Workers at Melbourne radio station JOY 94.9 were forced to evacuate on Tuesday night after a staff member reportedly received a threat via email.

As a result, Victoria Police conducted a search of the building at around 8.30pm, before declaring it safe.

Station President Jed Gilbert, and CEO Tennille Moisel, issued a joint statement on the JOY website which condemned the incident, but did not specify what the threat was.

"JOY will continue to provide a voice, break down isolation, and celebrate the achievements of our diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities," the statement said.

"Our communities have faced many threats over the years, and this latest one will not silence one of the only LGBTI radio stations in the world."

The statement also mentioned that security at the station had been tightened following the Orlando nightclub shooting incident in June, and that the threat of violence against the community highlighted the "damage that can be done through a divisive public debate" over same-sex marriage in Australia.

"A plebiscite is a delaying and divisive approach to the issue of marriage equality," the station said.

"Parliament can do its job and represent the views of the vast majority of Australians to legislate for marriage equality now, without the need for an unnecessary plebiscite and the risks that it will create for our station, our volunteers, our members and our communities."

A spokesperson from Victoria Police told SBS such threats wouldn't be tolerated. 

"Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community and Victoria Police will not tolerate any threats or attempts to incite hatred or violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity," the spokesperson said.

"We ask anyone who witnesses, or is subject to discrimination or victimisation on the basis of sexuality or gender identity to inform police immediately. Members of the LGBTI community can also contact a GLLO for support in reporting a crime."