Alex Greenwich Threatens To Sue Mark Latham Over Homophobic Tweet
UPDATE: On Wednesday, May 17, MP Alex Greenwich received notice through lawyers for One Nation NSW leader, Mark Latham that an apology for the offensive comment made on March 30 would not be issued. As a result, Greenwich is commencing defamation proceedings against Latham and has lodged a complaint of homosexual vilification and sexual harassment against him with the Anti-Discrimination NSW.
Greenwich has also filed a complaint with the NSW police against Latham for using a carriage service to menace/ harass/offend. “This is not a process I enter into lightly and a process I wish I didn’t have to engage in. However, Mr Latham’s homophobic, sexualised attack has exposed me to contempt, ridicule and extreme abuse, based on my sexuality, and demands actions,” says Greenwich.
Alex Greenwich, the openly gay independent member for Sydney, has threatened to sue New South Wales One Nation party leader, Mark Latham over a homophobic tweet. The tweet was a response to Greenwich calling Latham a “disgusting human” after the events of March 21 where LGBTQIA+ activists were attacked by Latham’s supporters at St Michael’s Church.
Tensions grow hot between Latham and Greenwich
The incident between Greenwich and Latham began after the One Nation leader hosted a community event in Belfield NSW at St Michael’s Church, where LGBTQIA+ protestors were mobbed on the street outside.
After Greenwich was quoted calling Latham a “disgusting human” who risked people’s safety, Latham took to Twitter where he wrote offensive comments aimed at Greenwich’s sexuality. Although Latham deleted the tweet after facing widespread criticism, he has since posted a response saying he stands by his comments, reports Daily Mail.
A deeper look at the politics
Greenwich, who is now in his third term as the representative for Sydney, has a long history of advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. In almost stark opposition, Latham has built up One Nation’s influence in NSW politics on the back of anti-LGBTQIA+ stances, restrictive bans on immigration and claims of white-racism, reports Sydney Morning Herald.
According to ABC News, One Nation founder Pauline Hanson has reportedly called for Latham to make a public apology. “I think (the comments) are disgusting,” says Hanson. “I’ve actually tried to ring Mark a couple of times to no avail and I have clearly sent a text message to him telling him my views.”
Hanson is herself infamous for stunt-politics such as wearing a burqa into parliament to promote the ban for them over national security, reports Sydney Morning Herald.
The fallout
After multiple calls from party members and fellow politicians for Latham to issue a public apology, he broke his silence with a statement that affirmed he stood by his original comments and linked to a Donald Trump video in which the former US President claims leaders should never apologise and never explain, reports Daily Mail.
Greenwich has now claimed that unless Latham makes amends, he intends to pursue defamation proceedings. “Enough is enough. I’ve been openly gay in public life for 15 years and in NSW Parliament for over 10 years, and never have I experienced such a homophobic, sexualised attack that exposed me to contempt, ridicule and extreme abuse, based on my sexuality,” says Greenwich in a statement to the media.
“It’s 2023 and LGBTQIA+ Australians shouldn’t have to put up with abuse that targets our sexuality, character, or ability to do our jobs,” he says.
Greenwich’s threat of legal action has been supported by many in the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond, with some calling for Latham to be held accountable for his actions and the harm his statements may have on vulnerable young people.
