Media Release

Monday June 15th 2020

CALL ON LABOR TO TAKE STRONGER ACTION IN WAKE OF SOMYUREK SACKING

Advocates have welcomed the sacking and expulsion of Victorian Labor minister, Adem Somyurek, following evidence of branch stacking and sexist and homophobic remarks.

But they have called on Federal and Victorian Labor to go further.

Just.equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

"A great way for Federal and Victorian Labor to show anti-LGBTIQ sentiment has no place in its ranks, and in wider society, would be to come out more strongly against the Religious Discrimination Bill."

"The Bill allows LGBTIQ people to be demeaned and discriminated against in the name of religion yet Federal Labor has been meek in its response and Victorian Labor has been virtually silent."

"Labor should also re-instate the equality portfolio Anthony Albanese abolished, take action against all existing Australian laws that allow discrimination against LGBTIQ people by religious organisations, and support for full legal recognition and protection for transgender and gender diverse people."

On Monday, Mr Somyurek was sacked from his parliamentary position and expelled from the Labor Party.

According to publicly-aired recordings he described young staffers as “real little f***ing slimy little f***ers, little passive-aggressive fucking gay kids”.

For more: https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/adem-somyurek-resigns-from-cabinet-20200615-p552lp.html