PM Malcolm Turnbull: ‘My friends invited me to their Mardi Gras parties’
PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has broken his silence on his unceremonious “un-invitation” to Mardi Gras.
Turnbull, who is also the Member for Wentworth – the electorate in which Mardi Gras is held – revealed how he felt about the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board’s decision to not invite him as an official guest to 2017’s parade during an appearance on Sky News’ Viewpoint.
Viewpoint host Chris Kenny asked Turnbull if the “un-invitation” was “a personal and partisan insult”.
“I’ve had so many invitations from friends to go to their Mardi Gras parties that if Lucy and I do decide to go to the Mardi Gras next year, we’ll have no shortage of opportunities and cheerful company to enjoy it with,” Turnbull replied.
.@TurnbullMalcolm says he and his wife have 'no shortage of opportunities' from friends to go to Mardi Gras https://t.co/VYKfGvLgGU
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) November 13, 2016
Kenny’s own views on the motion were made clear when he tweeted “So much for tolerance – pathetic…” soon after the motion was passed. He also retweeted a tweet posted by @milk_wood that read: “Amazing the LBGT community preach love tolerance and understanding, yet have the temerity to exclude the PM!”
Responses within the LGBTI community have been divided. Many expressed sentiments similar to Kenny’s, and others welcomed the move as a return to the parade’s political roots.
Get lost Mr “no plan B” !!
The LGBTQI community is hurt by Malcom’s refusal to push through marriage equality in parliament with a conscience vote. This ‘ha ha. I can go to MG anyway’ attitude is just wrong.
I find this a farce. If ever their was supporters of the GLBTI community it has been in Malcolm Turnbull and Lucy Turnbull. Pathetic. Then again nothing amazes me with the administration of Mardi Gras by vested social interest groups. One year profit the next bankrupt nature of the organisation says it all. Sick of hearing about the arguments and constant AGM’s and extraordinary meetings of this ramshackle organisation. Bad decision people. I certainly know many who would welcome Malcolm and Lucy to their Mardi Gras event. I certainly hope the Mardi Gras Board enjoy next years event, our group wont be attending in 2017.
For years, local members of parliament have marched in Mardi Gras. Last Mardi Gras, Bill Shorten marched.
But Malcolm Turnbull has always refused to participate! He has not marched when elected as local member, nor later as leader of the Opposition.
How very Malcolm. Prepared to watch from the sidelines, champagne in hand.
Well stated, Ben.