Sydney MP Alex Greenwich will take legal action against Mark Latham unless the New South Wales One Nation leader apologises for homophobic comments directed at the independent.
Despite widespread condemnation, the One Nation MP has refused to apologise for a graphic tweet he posted on 30 March that Greenwich described as “defamatory and homophobic”.
“He followed that up with media commentary that doubled down on his attack,” Greenwich said in a statement on Monday.
The comments came after Greenwich called Latham “a disgusting human being” after LGBTQIA+ protesters were attacked outside a candidates’ forum including Latham as a speaker, during the NSW election campaign.
When pressed for an apology, Latham tweeted “never apologise, never explain”.
Greenwich says unless Latham apologises and makes amends he will begin defamation proceedings.
The independent MP has also lodged a complaint of homosexual vilification with the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW, and made a police complaint against Latham for allegedly using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.
“Enough is enough.”
“I’ve been openly gay in public life for 15 years and in NSW parliament for over 10 years, and never have I experienced such a homophobic, sexualised attack that exposed me to contempt, ridicule and extreme abuse, based on my sexuality.”
Greenwich says he is also taking action for young and old LGBTQIA+ people who face regular abuse.
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His legal team will also approach Twitter about its provision of a platform that “freely allows extreme homophobia, transphobia, racism and religious bigotry”.
The tweet caused a schism between the NSW leader and federal leader Pauline Hanson who said the comments were “disgusting” and called on him to apologise.
She said he ignored her calls and texts.
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, condemned the comments by Latham, saying they were “terrible” and would “unleash ghouls” on the MP.
Latham was re-elected for an eight-year term at the March poll but the legal action could impact his ability to serve if he is charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
On Monday a NSW police spokesman confirmed authorities were investigating after Greenwich complained of being harassed online.
“Officers attached to Surry Hills Area Command have commenced an investigation after receiving reports of online harassment directed at a 42-year-old man,” the spokesman said.
Latham has been contacted for comment.
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