Youth pan Heffernan’s alleged choice of words
A group of young LGBTIQ students have panned the alleged use of the word ‘poofter’ by Senator Bill Heffernan, saying that although the claims are yet to be proven the community expects better standards from its political representatives.
Police are currently reviewing claims the long-serving Senator was involved in a homophobic assault on 67-year-old Ray Carter, an employee with NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher, on May 3 at a Liberal Party branch meeting on the Central Coast.
According to a statement provided to police, Heffernan struck Carter and later told him: “I didn’t know you were a poofter”.
Heffernan has denied the incident took place with several allies suggesting the claims are payback for Heffernan’s role in tipping off the Liberal Party about Carter’s involvement in a donation scandal which has resulted in Carter being suspended from his position and under investigation by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Wear it Purple co-founder Katherine Hudson said although the claims involving Carter were yet to be proven, Heffernan had a long history of engaging in homophobic behaviour.
“The idea that someone in Australia today still refers to gays as ‘poofters’ reveals an archaic world view that should not be accepted in our society,” Hudson said.
“We worry what the effect of comments like this have on vulnerable young people.”
Katerina Bampos, a 15 year old high school student and queer rights activist, said it was important for the country’s elected officials to help maintain a fair and egalitarian society.
“But this type of behaviour from a well respected adult who is in the eyes of the media not only threatens that image but the emotional stability of youth struggling with accepting their homosexuality,” she said.
Members of the federal Labor Government have called upon Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to stand Heffernan aside but he has so far refused such demands.
- Tags: Bill Heffernan, blaze, Chris Hartcher, Coalition, Education, Homophobia, Labor, Language, Liberal, MCV, Politics, Queensland Pride, Ray Carter, SX, Tony Abbott, Wear it Purple, Youth
Comments (3)
The SMH reports Police have dropped the case against Heffernan, saying there was "no evidence". The story quotes Heffernan as saying he is "hurt" over the allegations and goes on to say he has "friends in the gay community". Well, be sure to cheer the Police in their next float in the Sydney Mardi Gras (or what ever it is that they now call it). And who are Heffernan's alleged "gay friends"? Perhaps Alan Jones and alleged Canadian cannibal, Luka Magnotta!
Heffernan has his untrue truth. Look at the cunning he did on Justice Kirby? Perhaps the nagging bitch Pyne can cuddle up Heffernan, and sooth his anger -his own strong feelings for men. I am content living my true feelings, Heffernan must learn to accept the true and leave the untrue. Then we will see less of his poofta comments, when he accepts what we all know is so true.
Both these men (Heffernan and Abbott) have to be in the closet, their "handbags" disguised as wives.