By Andrew M Potts/Sydney Star Observer

The scandal surrounding a homophobic Facebook page which outed gay ADF personnel has deepened with the Star Observer obtaining videos which were placed on the page.

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Two of the videos seen by the Star Observer were created using the game Grand Theft Auto 4 and depict the systematic slaughter of patrons of a gay nightclub.

In one titled “The Poofter Club Massacre”, the video’s creator walks his character into the game’s Hercules gay bar and throws a grenade into a group of people who are thrown against the walls and floor when it explodes. People try to flee the bar but he pulls out a machine gun and starts mowing them down. He then takes out the remaining staff members in the bar with single shots to the head.

The video finishes with the slogan “sodomy doesn’t pay” and “poofters… how do you kill yours?”

In another the video’s creator walks up to the front desk of the club, strikes a man with his machine gun and then shoots all the people nearby, causing patrons to flee into the street where a car bomb is waiting for them, throwing dead bodies back inside the building, where he guns down the survivors.

This is followed by further shots of people in the bar being mowed down or killed with explosives, and his character using a car to run down patrons lining up at its entrance. It finishes with the slogan “sodomy doesn’t pay”.

The sound accompanying the video is the Electric Six song Gay Bar which contains a line about starting a “war in a gay bar” in the section used in the video.

The videos are too realistic, gruesome and offensive for the Star Observer to post online.

Other videos posted on the Facebook page contain homophobic attacks on an ADF staff member and the Australian Second Commando Regiment in general.

Some of these contain material from a 1950’s American educational film aimed at teaching children to “beware” homosexuals and the quote “one never knows when the homosexual is about”.

Some of the videos have been bookended with ordinary footage of ADF personnel deployed in Iraq to disguise their intention.

The Australian Coalition for Equality has called on the Defence Minister Stephen Smith to launch an inquiry into homophobia in the ADF, as have a number of individuals, and is in the process of securing comment from the minister in that regard.

The Star Observer received the following statement from an ADF spokesperson after going to print:

“The Australian Defence Force has allowed members who are Gay or Lesbian personnel to serve openly since 1992. In 2005 we recognised same-sex interdependent relationships, providing many of the benefits that married couples receive, such as housing. By 2009 we extended the entitlement to include all benefits married couples receive, such as compensation, superannuation, death benefits and Home Assistance Loans.

“Defence supports diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all personnel are treated fairly and with respect.

“Defence was made aware of certain ‘anti-gay’ social media activities in August 2010. The material which Defence was made aware of does not reflect Defence’s official position, and is not representative of the behaviour and thoughts of the majority of Defence personnel. The attitudes and behaviours described are contrary to everything that the Australian Defence Force stands for and has achieved in welcoming and supporting diversity across the organisation.

“Defence has very clear guidance about Defence personnel engaging with or through social media such as Facebook. Defence also has equally clear policy about equity and diversity. If there is a breach of these policies resulting in unacceptable behaviour, Defence has in place clear policies for handling such breaches.

“In August 2010, the anti-gay social media activities were reported and the ADF Investigative Service was notified. During ADFIS enquiries it was reported that one of the members targeted on the web site made a formal complaint to NSW Police. This matter is still the subject of ongoing investigation and it is inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

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