Socialists say 'lesbian burning' party must be condemned and put last

Wednesday October 7

“When a Family First campaigner indicates that ‘lesbians should be burnt to death’, as reported in the Herald yesterday, it shows the danger of far-right religious political parties,” said Socialist Alliance lead senate candidate Kylie Moon. “While this particular campaigner has been disciplined, Family First’s homophobia is evident with its refusal to preference a lesbian Liberal candidate, while preferencing all other Liberal candidates.”

Moon, a leading same-sex couple rights activist with Community Action Against Homophobia, called for all political parties to condemn Family First’s homphobia.

“When Pauline Hanson spouted her racism, a movement grew that forced all parties to put Hanson last on their tickets,” Moon said. “Now Family First is trying to build a far-right, religious party, and is whipping up anti-gay prejudice – prejudice which contributes to high suicide rates amongst same-sex attracted youth, and encourages gay bashings. Any party that has principle should do as Socialist Alliance and the Greens have done, and put Family First down the bottom of their lists, along with the other far-right bigots.”

In particular, Moon called upon the Australian Democrats and the ALP to act.

“The Democrats are, through desperate opportunism, giving first preferences to Family First in the senate. It’s time for them to put principle ahead of expediency, condemn Family First unreservedly, and call on any Democrats voters to vote below the line in the senate to avoid giving preferences to Family First.”

“Similarly, the ALP – who are giving one-third of their preferences to Family First - must condemn Family First.”

“The Coalition and ALP’s joint support for banning same-sex marriage helped legislate second-class citizenship for gays and lesbians,” Moon said. “Such laws give encouragement to prejudiced views, with potentially deadly results.”

“As a first step to addressing discrimination against gays and lesbians, Socialist Alliance calls for an immediate repeal of the ban on same-sex marriage rights,” Moon concluded.

For interviews and photos, contact:

Kylie Moon 0411 104 813

Paul Benedek 0410 629 088, 9690 1977

Email: paulb@greenleft.org.au

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