No more comments from Newman

Queensland Opposition leader Campbell Newman last week declared he would not make any more statements about repealing the state’s Civil Partnership Act despite mixed messages on the subject.

Newman said he had more important issues to discuss, despite being the target of a campaign by Bob Katter’s Australia Party on the subject of his flip-flopping on gay rights issues.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) spokeswoman Shelley Argent said people continued to want clarification on whether the LNP will repeal the civil unions legislation if it wins the March 24 election.

“Newman and the LNP need to understand that there is nothing more important than a person’s rights, especially when that person or persons are in fear of losing them,” Argent said.

“Queensland has approximately 360,000 lesbians and gays living here which is not an insignificant number of people to be negatively affected should the LNP follow through with their threats.

“Mr Newman and the LNP need to understand there many more friends and relatives also adversely affected.”

Argent said she simply wanted the LNP to confirm whether it will or won’t repeal the legislation and, if not, to openly debate the reason either in the media in the next week or at a venue of its choosing.

“The legislation is by no means radical or endangering heterosexual relationships. Let’s keep Queensland moving forward, not back to the dark days,” she said.

“The invitation will remain open for Mr Newman should he have a change of heart and decide to speak to the LGBT community.”

The Brisbane Gay and Lesbian Business Network will host a state election debate at the Sportsman Hotel on Monday, March 19 from 7pm, with speakers from all major parties.