Monday February 26th 2018
ADVOCATES CALL ON MCCORMACK TO HEAL WOUNDS CAUSED BY GAY HATE
Equality advocates have called on new Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, to heal the wounds caused by past hate and actively support LGBTI inclusion in rural and regional Australia.
In the past Mr McCormack has expressed hateful views about LGBTI people, for which he has since apologised.
Just.equal spokepserson, Rodney Croome, said,
“Many LGBTI Australians will be justifiably concerned about Michael McCormack being our Deputy Prime Minister given his hateful comments against us in the past.”
“Many National Party voters will share our concern given the strong Yes vote in many parts of rural and regional Australia.”
“The apologies Mr McCormack made in the past are welcome but given the hatefulness of what he said, and the high office he has stepped in to, he needs to walk the talk.”
“He needs to get behind initiatives that will reduce the unacceptably high levels of LGBTI isolation, prejudice and suicide that still exist in some parts of rural Australia.”
“He needs to heal the wounds caused by the kind of prejudices he publicly expressed in the past.”
To see Mr McCormack's contentious comments, for which he has apologised, go here: http://junkee.com/michael-mccormack-gay-column/148257
