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.
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
