The Victorian Opposition is moving to expel a rogue MP who attended a Melbourne anti-transgender rally alongside neo-Nazis.
Opposition Leader John Pesutto addressed his intention to oust Moira Deeming from the Parliamentary Liberal Party today, describing her position as untenable.
Pesutto said the move is not linked to Deeming's long-held anti-transgender views, but her role in organising and promoting an event affiliated with well-known white supremacists.
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https://twitter.com/msanto92/status/1637593483174350848Deeming spoke at the 'Let Women Speak' event held by British anti-transgender activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull outside the Victorian parliament in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday.
A group of neo-Nazis joined the anti-transgender demonstrators and repeatedly performed the Nazi salute.
Pesutto said Deeming should have been aware of Keen-Minshull's associations with white supremacists and questioned why she did not leave when the group of Nazi sympathisers showed up.
"I am a strong supporter of free speech, but free speech doesn't include hate speech," Pesutto told media today.
"I will never, ever accept any member of the Parliamentary Liberal Party under my leadership ever associating with anybody who shares a platform with people who peddle hate, division, and attack people for who they are."
He specifically referenced British women's rights activist, Kelly Jane Keane, who was at the centre of the demonstration on Saturday.
"Having seen the ugly scenes and having had an opportunity to disown and dissociate from those very people, Ms Deeming chose to celebrate, as evidenced on social media," Pesutto said.
Displaying the swastika is outlawed in Victoria, but the Nazi salute is legal.
The Victorian Equality Minister is due to speak about the issue today.
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