Premium Content:

Police Minister Under Fire

Western Australia’s Police Minister Rob Johnson is under fire for his homophobic comments in parliament that were directed toward openly gay Member of Parliament John Hyde.

During the debate into special laws that would be introduced to cover the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting Mr Hyde inquired about the costs of the event. When responding to Mr Hyde’s questions the minister said, “He is just really, really upset and jealous that we have got a true queen coming to WA.”

- Advertisement -

Following disapproval from others members of parliament, the Police Minister then withdrew the comments.

Speaking to OUTinPerth Kitty Hawkins Co-Convener of Gay and Lesbian Equality WA said,

‘It is disappointing that a Minister of his experience would be so deeply unprofessional. His comments towards John Hyde were completely unnecessary and spiteful.’

Hawkins called on the Police Minister to apologize and ‘be more considerate of how his words may affect the wider community’. Hawkins also noted that it was not the first time the Minister had made homophobic remarks

Mr Johnson has also come under scrutiny for his comments about the removal of homeless people from the city centre during the CHOGM period.

Graeme Watson

Updated 6:20pm Friday March 8, 2011

Latest

On This Gay Day | President Ronald Reagan finally acknowledges AIDS crisis

The US President’s silence on the issue was one of the greatest criticisms of his administration.

Creative Futures Fund supports three major WA arts projects

Three major local arts projects have secured funding through the federal government's Creative Futures Fund.

Perth Horror Film Festival haunts The Backlot this August

The Perth Horror Film Festival returns to thrill and terrify audiences at The Backlot this August.

Ollie Hunt chats about ‘Prelude’, his debut EP

The Australian artist is getting attention for his mix of sounds and heartfelt lyrics.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | President Ronald Reagan finally acknowledges AIDS crisis

The US President’s silence on the issue was one of the greatest criticisms of his administration.

Creative Futures Fund supports three major WA arts projects

Three major local arts projects have secured funding through the federal government's Creative Futures Fund.

Perth Horror Film Festival haunts The Backlot this August

The Perth Horror Film Festival returns to thrill and terrify audiences at The Backlot this August.

Ollie Hunt chats about ‘Prelude’, his debut EP

The Australian artist is getting attention for his mix of sounds and heartfelt lyrics.

Marjorie Taylor Greene asks President Trump to pardon George Santos

Taylor Greene says the sentence handed down to Santos is excessive and he should be forgiven.

On This Gay Day | President Ronald Reagan finally acknowledges AIDS crisis

The US President’s silence on the issue was one of the greatest criticisms of his administration.

Creative Futures Fund supports three major WA arts projects

Three major local arts projects have secured funding through the federal government's Creative Futures Fund.

Perth Horror Film Festival haunts The Backlot this August

The Perth Horror Film Festival returns to thrill and terrify audiences at The Backlot this August.