Pauline Hanson is doing major damage control after Latham aimed vile homophobic tweets at independent MP Alex Greenwich.
Just over a week after turning the blame on 15 trans rights activists for being the targets of an organised attack, Mark Latham has sank to a new low.
Despite initially condemning the violence perpetrated by his followers, Latham has since doubled down, describing the peaceful protesters as “alphabet freaks” who came “looking for trouble”.
Following the incident, independent MP Alex Greenwich, tweeted out a message condemning Latham’s actions:
“Mark Latham is a disgusting human being & people who are considering voting for One Nation need to realise they are voting for an extremely hateful & dangerous individual who risks causing a great deal of damage to our state.”
As expected, Latham chimed back with a response that not only proved Greenwich’s criticism, but landed the disgraced member in even more hot water, which would almost be comical if his response weren’t so heinous:
“Disgusting? How does that compare with sticking your d*ck up a bloke’s arse and covering it with sh*t?”
He has since deleted the tweet.
Please explain?
Greenwhich responded with pure class, explaining that the attention-seeking behaviour is typical of the reactionary One Nation member:
“We know that some people seek to target the LGBTQ community to get attention, I don’t intend to help them with that,” he said.
“When you’re in public office, and public life, as an openly, proud gay man, you’re going to get targeted.
“But I focus more on the majority of people across the state who love, support and celebrate the LGBTQ community.”
For those wondering how I’m doing after Latham’s homophobic attacks today, I’m fine and I’m more motivated than ever to deliver long overdue LGBTIQA+ reforms… and I have the most handsome husband. pic.twitter.com/MRA8pI6xE5
— Alex Greenwich MP (@AlexGreenwich) March 30, 2023
Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson, the federal senator and One Nation leader, issued a video response to Latham’s “disgusting” comments in a desperate attempt at damage-control:
“I want you to know that I don’t condone them [the comments], and neither do my members of parliament or party associates,”
“I think they are disgusting,” Hanson says.
“I have actually tried to ring Mark a couple of times, to no avail,
“And also I’ve asked him to give the people an apology.”
Hanson’s plea also comes just a week after rubbing shoulders with notorious transphobe Posie Parker.
Empty words
In an appearance on ABC News Breakfast, Greenwich expanded upon his reaction to Latham’s comments:
“I do not expect to hear from him,” Greenwich says, “I do not expect an apology from him,”
“I hope he’s okay,” he said.
“The comments that he made are obviously not comments of a well person.”
The MP also addressed Hanson’s statement, calling them “empty words”:
“I don’t need or want Senator Hanson’s support,
“She is someone that will target the LGBT community when she wants to.”
The politics of bigotry
Of course, Hanson’s condemnation is virtually meaningless whilst she continues to pedal thinly-veiled anti-LGBTQIA+ bigotry of her own.
Hanson’s denunciation of Latham’s comments are less of a testament to One Nation’s committment to respectability and moreso a reminder that their current target are not gay men, but trans individuals.
Whether or not Latham will face serious consequences for his vile comments is yet to be seen.
However, one thing is for certain—despite what Hanson says, bigotry and hatred will always have a home at One Nation.
For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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