Journalist Shannon Molloy has quit as a director of the New South Wales Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (NSW GLRL) following a social media campaign criticising his involvement in the organisation.
Molloy, who works for News Corp, has written extensively about his personal experiences of homophobia and bullying, and has authored articles supporting the Safe Schools Coalition program.
The NSW GLRL was questioned about whether it was appropriate for a staff member of News Corp to a member of its board.
The publisher of many of Australian’s most read newspapers has faced regular criticism for publishing a high level of opinion pieces and articles that are critical of LGBTI rights, marriage equality and programs to stop the bullying of LGBTI high school students.
It has been reported that both Molloy and the organisation were inundated with emails calling for him to step down from the board.
Molloy announced his resignation from the gay rights organisation and has subsequently deleted his twitter account.
The NSW GLRL has issued a statement of support clarifying that they did not ask for his resignation and condemned the actions of the online activists who called for his resignation.
The action by campaigners opposed to News Corp has been heavily criticised by members of the LGBTI communities and journalists.
Former Labor leader Mark Latham said that the situation was the fault of gay journalists themselves who push “identity politics”.
Molloy has responded to the controversy in an article published at The Australian describing the incident as bullying.
I’m a gay journo. I work at News Corp Aus and that ppl in my own community could tear down fellow LGBTI journo Shannon Molloy is shameful.
— Benedict Brook (@BenedictBrook) May 23, 2017
I support Shannon Molloy & his right to express himself privately or professionally & contribute to community (1/1) https://t.co/dJ1cdIp49N
— Michael Miller (@mm_newscorpaus) May 23, 2017
Last night a great reporter and compassionate human, Shannon Molloy, resigned as board member of @NSWGLRL after being targeted by bullies.
— Jill Stark (@jillastark) May 22, 2017
I really hope Shannon Molloy ISN’T done, because he has so much to offer the @NSWGLRL. https://t.co/CcLmgDKaL9
— Daniel Sankey (@Daniel_Sankey) May 23, 2017
This is Shannon Molloy. It’s a disgrace he’s targeted because he works for News. https://t.co/WurIqA0rZF and more: https://t.co/z9DAEjJ3D9
— David Crowe (@CroweDM) May 23, 2017
Appalled to see that the excellent Shannon Molloy has been bullied out of a volunteer position. Disgraceful. https://t.co/bmiboCopOx
— Leigh Sales (@leighsales) May 24, 2017
If you want to read some of Shannon Molloy’s good work that actually made a positive difference, start here: https://t.co/A7avBws72T
— Rob Stott (@Rob_Stott) May 22, 2017
Deep irony: gay journos complaining about treatment of Shannon Molloy by gay group. This is the identity politics monster they helped create
— Real Mark Latham (@RealMarkLatham) May 23, 2017
