Blenheim's gay community is likely to be more fearful and concerned after an attack was made on a local man assumed to be gay.
Blenheim man Kent Morgan, who is married, was attacked by two men on Friday night while walking home from work just because he was wearing a pink shirt.
Photos show Morgan with a bloodied face.
Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley is sickened by it, and points out that violence and bullying towards minorities is a frequent occurrence.
"In this country we all have the right to go about our everyday lives and to express ourselves how we choose without fear of being attacked by thugs," he said.
"It's not OK, on so many levels."
Tankersley said it was disappointing this is still happening even after legislative changes that work on normalising the involvement of LGBTQI at all levels of society.
"It doesn't matter what colour you're wearing. It doesn't matter what your lifestyle is. You're entitled to security of the person as a fundamental human right."
Police are aware of the incident.
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