Australian Defence Force rejects fresh claims by Gaynor

Australian Defence Force rejects fresh claims by Gaynor

CLAIMS made earlier today that all links directing visitors on the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) website to its LGBTI diversity and inclusion information have been removed were rejected by the department.

Controversial former Katter’s Australian Party Queensland candidate Bernard Gaynor — who was charged by the ADF for comments he made about Islam and the force’s participation in the 2013 Mardi Gras — took to social media this morning claiming victory is his ongoing campaign against LGBTI inclusion efforts by the ADF.

“Great news! Defence has removed all reference to the Defence LGBTI Information Service (DEFGLIS) from its webpages. It is a significant victory,” Gaynor posted on Facebook.

A quick search for the DEFGLIS on the ADF’s website does result in an error message but the force has refuted Gaynor’s claims, saying that their website has just been redesigned.

“Defence has redesigned its website but has not removed any content,” an ADF spokesperson told the Star Observer.

“Information relating to the LGBTI community is now on the Diversity and Inclusion page, which can be found at: www.defence.gov.au/CODE/

“If a broken link is discovered, users are asked to inform Defence via the feedback mechanism on the site so it can be fixed.”

The ADF also reiterated its firm commitment to inclusion and diversity within the organisation on their website:

“Defence is committed to having a diverse workforce and inclusive workplaces. Defence strives to make the most of the skills and talents of all personnel and aims to reap the capability benefits of having a diverse workforce through embracing and supporting all personnel, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons.

“Defence seeks to create an inclusive workplace by driving long term sustainable LGBTI awareness and support structures, and continues to support the employment and inclusion of this diversity group through the following specific actions.”

Speaking as a private citizen, DEFGLIS president Vince Chong told the Star Observer that the organisation continued to work with the ADF to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of its members.

“DEFGLIS remains committed to working closely with Defence to achieve a shared vision of an inclusive and cohesive fighting force, and a culture that embraces diverse people working effectively together to produce results,” Chong said.

“Given that shared vision, I am confident of a continuing strong working relationship between DEFGLIS and Defence and continuing effort to provide support for LGBTI personnel and their families.”

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7 responses to “Australian Defence Force rejects fresh claims by Gaynor”

  1. John Abbotj,

    If your so against queers how/why are posting on this website bud……!!!!!

    As another serving member, try searching for videos from Chief of Army on various topics. I think you will find your attitude is certainly not in check with his nor the ADF as a whole.

    If your son/s are not open minded, free thinkers it’s probably not the place for them.

  2. I like facts, not bigoted diarrhoea emotion:

    News flash in 1992 Australia allowed homosexuals to serve in the Australian military and noting bad has happened and since 2009 de facto couples (same sex or opposite sex couples) are recognised and still nothing bad has happened. See I love facts!

    I have a boyfriend in the military currently overseas and I am proud of him and what he has achieved socially, economically and emotionally. If there were more people like him, the world would be a better place!

    I work in the Canberra ATO (for those of you who do not know the Australia Taxation Office) doing business and corporation audits from lots of people and you learn a hell of a lot of things!

    I love factual and reasonable freedom of speech and he is protecting this country, so bigots look out!

    I love soldiers and have always loved our men in uniform protecting this country and I and him are proud Labor supporters!

    Tony Abbott as much as I hate the guy (even after the “shit happens” comment and Canadia another very stupid comment), he is unfortunately still our prime minister and should still be respected. I do not like Bill Shorten as well – but Tanya Paensak is going to be prime minister in 2017 I just know it!

    And one day Australia in the year 2023 – will allow gay marriage and then we can both get married!

  3. John Abbottj, grow up! They are homosexual, not queer. My life has been put in greater danger and higher risk of fatal disease by those who choose to use illict drugs, than those who have a different sexual orientation to mine, but have no choice in doing so. When you have trained with someone day in day out, you know what they will do when the time comes; their duty! Sexual orientation has no more influence on their behaviour on the battlefield than their choice of football code or team. I’d rather trust them than an uneducated bigot like you.

  4. I cannot believe that our armed forces have degenerated to this where soldiers are having to bed (no punt intended) someone who is queer, thinks and acts queer. To make it worse, our soldiers have to go into the battle field with someone they are not sure of in relation as to what their queer thinking will produce. Even worse to that is that by their queer conduct, they may be carrying diseases which may be fatal but have to share the toilet, shower, basin and even the kitchen.
    It appears that our army is indeed on the brink of collapse as I certainly would not suggest that my son/s join such a queer institution.

    • Good News John AbbottJ,

      As a member of the Australian Defence Force, I will fight to the death to uphold your right to express such a (narrow) opinion.

      I will however, never agree with your opinion.

      (Just quietly; If your prodigees’ views on inclusivity accord with yours, they’re not welcome in the ADF.)