Parminder Singh, a former Western Australian One Nation candidate, has been criticised after making a series of anti-LGBTQIA+ comments on a podcast, including describing homosexuality as a “mental illness”.
The party removed Singh’s candidate profile from its website following inquiries from the ABC, which first reported on the comments. Federal One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has also distanced himself from the remarks, saying he does not agree with Singh’s views.
Singh was the party’s number three candidate on the 2025 Legislative Council ticket at the state election. He appeared on a podcast hosted by Perth comedian and content creator Jasky Singh, known as Mr Sikkant.
During the interview, Singh claimed Pride parades encourage young people to identify as gay and argued that people are not born gay, describing homosexuality as a “mental illness”. He also expressed opposition to same-sex parenting and marriage equality.
Singh further claimed that homosexuality is not found in nature in other species, a statement disputed by scientific research.
Meaghan Holden, CEO of Living Proud, described the comments as “deeply concerning”.
“Such statements are inaccurate, harmful and inconsistent with decades of medical, psychological and community understanding that sexuality and gender diversity are a part of human diversity.
“Remember that behind these public conversations are real people; our family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours and children.”
Anna Brown, chief executive of Equality Australia, said the comments were baseless.
“The suggestion that someone’s sexuality is a mental illness is so baseless and absurd that it barely warrants a response,” she told the ABC.
Barnaby Joyce says One Nation is “one of the gayest parties”
Joyce said removing Singh’s profile from the party website sent a clear message.
“I don’t concur with his views and, to be quite frank, he obviously hasn’t been around farms,” Joyce said during an appearance on Afternoon Briefing.
Joyce also said the party welcomed members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I think we’re one of the gayest parties in Australia,” he said.
Politicians from major parties condemn the comments from the One Nation candidate
Parminder Singh’s comments have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Federal Liberal member Tim Wilson said the comments had revealed Singh’s true character, and noted that his views would also apply to the party’s prominent National Director James Ashby, who is also gay.
“One of the reasons I believe in free speech is because people like Parminder Singh speaks his mind and remove all doubt.”
“He’s now said a bunch of patriotic Australians and his Party’s supporters are mentally ill, including his party’s national director.”
“Mr Singh is clearly a bit of a snowflake who doesn’t like seeing other Australians happily living their lives.”
Patrick Gorman, the federal member for Perth, said the views put forward by Singh were deeply offensive.
“Homophobia has no place in Australia. It has no place in Perth. These views from a senior One Nation member are deeply offensive. I completely reject them.” Gorman said in a social media post.
“I reject the hate and discrimination that they seek to spread. Australians are welcoming people. We celebrate one another. The Perth electorate has been home to the Pride Parade since 1990. I have joined the march many times. It is a celebration of the kind and welcoming community we are.” Gorman said.
State Labor MP John Carey said the comments of Singh were “extreme, divisive and nasty”.
Regardless of your political viewpoint, I respect every individual’s right to live their life with dignity and to be themselves without being demeaned or insulted.
You don’t have to agree with someone to respect them.
We should be building a community where everyone feels safe, valued and respected — not dragging us backwards with prejudice dressed up as politics.
I’m proud to stand up for the simple principle that every Western Australian deserves to live their life free from discrimination.” Carey said.
