Victorian MP Moira Deeming will be expelled from the Liberal Party after her involvement in an anti-transgender rally attended by neo-Nazis.
Victorian opposition leader John Pusetto said Deeming’s position in the party was “untenable” as she had played a role “organising, promoting and participating” in the rally, which had speakers and organisers who are associated with “far-right extremist groups including neo-Nazi activists”.
At the rally outside the Victorian parliament in Melbourne, a group of men from the National Socialist Movement repeatedly performed the Nazi salute. The group wore all black, some covering their faces with balaclavas, standing with a sign that said: “Destroy Paedo Freaks”.
The group had gathered in support of the rally, which featured British anti-transgender activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker.
Pesutto released a statement condemning the rally, saying it was an “affront to the values we should all hold dear as Victorians”.
Pesutto said he had held a meeting with Deeming, where he informed her at the next party room meeting he would move a motion to expel as a member of the parliamentary Liberal Party.
“The Liberal Party I joined and which I am now honoured to lead, must strive to represent all Victorians,” he said in the statement.
“Regardless of religious faith, race, sexual preference and identity, Victorians everywhere should know that the Liberal Party is inclusive and can be a voice for them.”
Pesutto said it wasn’t “an issue of free speech” – it was about “a member of the parliamentary party associating with people whose views are abhorrent to my values, the values of the Liberal Party and the wider community”.
Deeming was elected to parliament last year replacing controversial MP Bernie Finn. She has been critical of Victoria’s safe schools program which is designed to prevent bullying of LGBTQI+ children, and has a history of attacking the rights of transgender people.
Moves to ban Nazi salutes
The rally outside the parliament on Saturday spurred calls for the use of Nazi salutes to be banned. Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes has now confirmed legislation will be introduced to ban the display of the nazi salute following the protest. The Victorian government has previously outlawed the Nazi swastika.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews issued a statement of strong condemnation of the rally, and offered his support to the transgender community in Victoria.
“Yesterday, anti-trans activists gathered to spread hate,” he posted to Twitter. “And on the steps of our Parliament, some of them performed a Nazi salute.”
“I wish it didn’t have to be said, but clearly it does: Nazis aren’t welcome. Not on Parliament’s steps. Not anywhere. They were there to say the trans community don’t deserve rights, safety or dignity. That’s what Nazis do. Their evil ideology is to scapegoat minorities – and it’s got no place here. And those who stand with them don’t, either.
“So to every trans Victorian, I say this: Our Government will always support you. And we’ll always respect you. Because your rights are not negotiable.”