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AUS: Candidate told opponent to out herself

Fri 2 Nov 2007 In: International News

The leader of an Australian conservative political party Steve Fielding has rebuked his party's candidate in a far north Queensland seat for demanding that his Liberal opponent declare if she is a lesbian or not. Charlie McKillop Family First's Ben Jacobsen, who opposes gay marriage and gay parenting, had insisted that Liberal Charlie McKillop make her sexuality public. "Voters may not give a rats if a candidate is gay," he told The Courier-Mail. "But they have a right to know who you'll bat for." Jacobsen apologised yesterday for "the hurt and offence I have caused", saying he regretted making the comment. But he refused to say if it was still his personal view that all candidates should declare their sexuality. Senator Fielding said the original comments did not reflect the party's views. "I have spoken to the candidate and told him that his comments were inappropriate and offensive," he said. "Mr Jacobsen has apologised to the Liberal candidate and, on behalf of the party, I also sincerely apologise for the hurt caused." McKillop last night said she had read the statement by the Family First candidate and "I accept it for what it is and I appreciate the gesture". She said she wanted to get on with talking about more important issues for her community, such as obtaining commitments for a new dental school, an oncology and radiation unit, roads and stadium upgrades. Jacobsen, 35, a lecturer in finance at James Cook University who is married with three young children, said he had decided to pursue a political candidacy because he wanted to see more "values in politics". Treasurer Peter Costello, campaigning with Ms McKillop in Cairns yesterday, condemned Jacobsen's initial comments. "It doesn't reflect well on Family First. It doesn't reflect well on the candidate," he said.    

Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff

First published: Friday, 2nd November 2007 - 11:44am

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