The Australian Defence Force will fight the Federal Court’s ruling to reinstate outspoken conservative Bernard Gaynor to the army reserve.
Mr Gaynor was removed from the ADF in 2013 after criticising the army’s decision to allow uniformed soldiers to march in Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The former Katter’s Australian Party candidate has made his stance on homosexuality public and clear, telling OUTinPerth he believes any public display of homosexuality should be illegal.
Earlier this month a Federal Court judge ruled Gaynor’s comments regarding officers marching in Mardi Gras were made in a personal capacity, ordering for his dismissal to be revoked.
The ADF chief is attempting to appeal the judge’s decision. The ADF chief’s barrister Jeremy Kirk says the immediate installment of Gaynor to his former post would risk him speaking out again while the appeal was in process.
Mr Gaynor’s lawyer Peter King has demanded Mr Gaynor receives full access to the Army Reserve and base facilities.
The matter is due to return to court on January 29th.
