Since entering parliament Michael McCormack has repetitively apologised for an editorial he wrote in 1993 while editor of the local newspaper in Wagga Wagga. Now more of McCormack’s editorials from the same period have come to light.

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In the latest batch of pieces uncovered Australia’s new Deputy Prime Minister argued for the return of the death penalty, mandatory HIV testing for all prisoners, the re-introduction of caning in schools and made a declaration that he was proud to be called a homophobe.

In McCormack’s most highlighted editorial piece he said; “a week never goes by anymore that homosexuals and their sordid behaviour don’t become further entrenched in society” and “Unfortunately gays are here and, if the disease their unnatural acts helped spread doesn’t wipe out humanity, they’re here to stay.”

The following week he responded to criticism that his views were homophobic by declaring that he had no problem being described as such.

“I have no pangs of guilt for telling the truth about what gays are doing to the world and the decent people who live in it,” he wrote. “I’ve been labelled homophobic by some of the many people who have been moved to write letters.

“Well if homophobic can be taken as an intense fear of homosexuals then that’s fine, call me homophobic … If something isn’t done and done quickly to prevent homosexuals getting rights they don’t deserve then God help us.”

In other editorial pieces McCormack argued against anti-vilification laws on the basis of sexuality and promoted the idea that all prisoners should be forced to undertake HIV tests.

This week the new leader of the Nationals reiterated that his views had evolved since he wrote the pieces more than two decades ago.

“Editorial views expressed more than 25 years ago in no way reflect how my views and community views have changed since publication,” he said. “Australia in the early 90’s was very different to what it is now. I say this not to excuse the culture which once existed but to put the quotes in context.” McCormack told The Guardian.

“As people get older and start families, and grow as members of their community it is completely reasonable their views change over time.”

On Monday night’s edition of the ABC’s Q&A program transgender rights advocate Catherine McGregor said it was time for people to forgive McCormack for his previous statements.

“We’re in a different country now. I can forgive him for those remarks if he’s withdrawn them and stepped away from them. And I wouldn’t like to be reminded of everything I said or did 25, 30 years ago.” McGregor said.

Harriet Harman, the former Deputy Leader of the British Labour party was also appearing on the panel and suggested McCormack might want to consider leading a gay pride march to demonstrate that his views have really changed.

“He will have a lot to prove that actually he has left that discrimination behind. So, you know, perhaps we’ll have to see him on a gay pride march, leading it – really showing that he has changed.” Harman suggested.

OIP Staff