Boxer Anthony Mundine has caused outrage for appearing to suggest the death penalty would “deter the problem” of homosexuality in Australia in a shocking new anti-gay rant.
Mundine made the comments to the Daily Telegraph after his abrupt departure from reality TV series I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.
“If we were to live in a society, just like Aboriginal culture, where homosexuality is forbidden and you do it and the consequences are capital punishment or death, you think you’re going to do it?” he told the publication.
“Or think twice about doing it? That’s the only way to deter the problem.”
Mundine was asked to clarify his comments and if he thought gay people should be executed.
“The paedophiles mainly, hang them suckers and let’s see if they have the balls to do it again,” he said, before going on to draw a sickening link between LGBTIQ rights and pedophilia.
He said he believes homosexuality is “a choice” and said he doesn’t think gay actors or characters should appear on television to stop them encouraging children to become gay.
“I don’t care if you are gay or not, it doesn’t worry me because the creator will judge you later,” he said.
“If you are going to be gay, do it behind closed doors, that is how it used to be.”
Many took to social media to condemn Mundine’s “disgraceful” and “pathetic” comments.
Indigenous advocate Casey Conway tweeted, “Using our culture as a basis for his harmful opinions is disgraceful.
“Women and LGBTI people are your equal Anthony, you’re not better than anyone – educate yourself.”
Founder of Black Rainbow Dameyon Bonson tweeted, “Anthony Mundine has yet to provide any basis for his homophobic remarks that, in Aboriginal culture homosexuality results in ‘capital punishment or death’.
“It is well documented that homophobia leads to suicide. So well done Anthony and his apologists too.”
Anthony Mundine is vile human and his comments should be condemned.
Using our culture as a basis for his harmful opinions is disgraceful.
Women and LGBTI people are your equal Anthony, you’re not better than anyone. Educate yourself.— Casey Conway (@caseyconway_) February 8, 2018
So a pathetic little ferret like #CelebAnthony Mundine couldn’t cope in the jungle, is a quitter, yet is “the man”?
I guess that makes my #CelebAnthony husband, who could face the challenge and battled it to the end, a much stronger “man” than that vile, gutless homophobe.— Tim Campbell (@TimCampbellTwit) February 8, 2018
When you make public statements about the call for capital punishment against LGBTI people, you deserve no respect and every piece of condemnation against you. https://t.co/e5RYvAGS8L
— Tim Campbell (@TimCampbellTwit) February 8, 2018
@Anthony_Mundine I am not trans because I saw trans people on tv as a kid- in fact you never used to see trans people anywhere. I did however watch lots of kids shows, and am pleased to say I’m yet to turn into B1, B2, Mr Squiggle, Gumbi or Big Ted
— Hannah Mouncey 🤾♀️ (@HannahMouncey) February 9, 2018
You can tell the real value that is placed on the lives of LGBQTI ppl here in Australia when homophobes are paraded around on national tv as entertainment.
Yeah. Australia got the marriage vote. But there is still so much more work that needs to be done.
So much more.
— Dameyon (@DameyonBonson) February 8, 2018
This revolting, ignorant, homophobic and dangerous rant proves why Mundine should not have been on prime time TV. Still planning on having him on this Sunday @theprojecttv? https://t.co/A6JFpbJ5rF
— cameron adams (@cameron_adams) February 8, 2018
Anthony Mundine is disgusting. Calling for the death penalty for LGBT people? That monster has no shame.
— Shannon Molloy (@sleemol) February 8, 2018
It was during an interview about his time on I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, again highlighting how shameful Ten's decision to give him a spotlight was.
— Shannon Molloy (@sleemol) February 8, 2018
Mundine caused outcry last month when he claimed that same-sex couples were “confusing” to society.
“My biggest fear is Allah and if Allah prohibits it, then it’s wrong,” he said at the time.
“I was always taught that two genders together is natural, it’s what’s meant to be.
“Male and male, or female and female, is just confusing to society.”