Premium Content:

Turnbull urged to reprimand MP for homophobic comments

Malcolm Turnbull

The Greens are calling on the Prime Minister to stand up to harmful conservative voices in his party after comments made yesterday by Queensland MP George Christensen.

- Advertisement -

Mr Christensen compared the hotly debated Safe Schools anti-bullying program to the likes of paedophiles grooming children.

Greens sexuality spokesperson Senator Robert Simms said Mr Christensen’s comments are profoundly offensive and deeply hurtful.

“To compare a program that’s about helping young people to ‘grooming’ is utterly reprehensible,” Senator Simms said.

“The Prime Minister should condemn this homophobia, rather than indulging it through this senseless investigation into Safe Schools.”

Senator Simms also asserted that these sort of comments are just a taste of what’s to come if the intended plebiscite on marriage equality comes to be.

“We’ve seen in the last few days what can happen when you let the genie out of the bottle and provide a platform for homophobia and bigotry,” Senator Simms said.

Mr Turnbull was questioned by media on Mr Christensen’s comments earlier today, but the Prime Minister avoided addressing any MPs directly.

“I encourage everybody who is discussing these issues to do so in very measured language,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Consider very carefully the impact of the words they use on young people and on their families.”

OIP Staff


Sources

 

Latest

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Lucille Bogan was born in 1897

Lucile Bogan's songs were filled with suggestive lyrics.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Lucille Bogan was born in 1897

Lucile Bogan's songs were filled with suggestive lyrics.

OPINION | Calling allies to step up and be seen this Trans Day of Visibility

Rebecca Bennett (she/her) is the Pro Vice Chancellor Equity Diversity and Inclusion at Murdoch University.

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.