UPDATE: Independent MP for Kennedy Bob Katter says he is proud of his half-brother for voicing his opposing opinion on same-sex marriage.
Mr Katter said he was proud of the courage and forthrightness of his ‘half-relative’s’ public stand.
‘We disagree on the issue, but respect the viewpoint of other people,’ Katter said.
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10.50am: Last night, the half-brother of Independent MP Bob Katter spoke out against the politician’s views on same-sex marriage. Carl Katter, the half-brother of the Queensland politician joined Channel 10’s George Negus to speak about the ‘homophobia I’ve been seeing of late and the disgusting behaviour of the other side of this debate.’
‘I just couldn’t sit by and let that happen in a country that I’m proud of where I thought we’re not discriminatory to any certain groups,’ Katter told Negus.
‘…its hurtful, it’s dangerous, it’s damaging and it’s really inappropriate.’
‘He doesn’t seem to represent the whole of his community and he denies a lot of the fact there are a lot of gay people in his community.’
‘I don’t know how he can target a minority and persecute them the way he has, his gross generalisations etc are just inappropriate in today’s society.’
Carl Katter shared his own experiences of discrimination from growing up in a regional area and not having anyone to turn to.
‘I can’t believe I’m here today in 2011 actually talking about this’
When asked about how the Queensland politician was likely to react to last night’s interview, Carl Katter replied: ‘I don’t know and I don’t really care.’
Check the full interview here.
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August 23
Bob Katter’s gay brother will be speaking out on his brother’s opposition to gay marriage tonight on Channel 10, Sydney Star has reported. The Queensland federal MP and known marriage equality opponent recently spoke out at the National Marriage Day and said gay marriage should be ‘laughed at and ridiculed’.
Ross Scheepers, a producer for the 6.30 with George Negus program tweeted this afternoon: ‘Tonight on #630Negus. Bob Katter’s gay brother talks about his homophobic sibling’s bigotry.’
6.30 with George Negus correspondent Meggie Palmer confirmed the story via twitter as well: ‘Toinght on #630negus – the family stories coming out of the closet-why they’re likely to rock Bob Katter &his views on homosexuality.'[sic]
OIP staff
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