One Nation senator says he is undecided on equal rights for gay people

At the Church and State event, One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts expressed uncertainty about whether gay people should receive equal rights, mentioning a former American bishop’s observation that gay rights are the next step after women and black people gained equality. He portrayed party director James Ashby as bright, honest and competent, adding that he personally cannot relate to homosexuality. Roberts also raised concerns about the presence of gay individuals in prominent roles but said banning them was not feasible.

Equality Australia’s chief executive Anna Brown described the senator’s comments as shocking and incompatible with democratic values. Conference organizer Dave Pellowe referenced past activist pressure on medical professionals to stop treating same-sex attraction as an illness. The footage also showed Roberts advocating for a blanket abortion ban and a definition of life beginning at conception.