opinion

Letter to the Editor: Councillor Thomas Brough’s allegations about the LGBTQIA+ community are “laughable”

Tony AndersonAlbany Advertiser
Camera IconTOP: Albany councillor Thomas Brough said he bore "no ill will" towards Albany Pride at last week's council meeting. BOTTOM: Albany Pride held a silent protest outside the council chambers. Credit: Background: Canva, Top: City of Albany, Bottom: Laurie Benson

Councillor Thomas Brough’s ongoing allegations about “minor attracted persons” being a part of the LGBTQI+ community is nothing short of modern-day McCarthyism.

He takes an ounce of evidence to claim a mighty truth.

Cr Brough cherry-picks unrepresentative examples of radical queers across decades to suggest there is a clear and present danger to the children of Albany.

That is so far from the truth to be laughable.

The fact is that Albany Pride is a responsible community-minded group that shuns paedophilia.

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The clear and present danger is escalating hatred towards marginalised Australians.

The LGBTQI+ community are already at a high risk of violence, mental health, and suicide.

Cr Brough’s pronouncements are a dog whistle to rednecks and homophobes who have been active on social media and who were publicly ugly at last week’s council meeting.

The mayor called on one such character to withdraw his slanderous comments.

One can only wonder as to Cr Brough’s motivations.

He has not been asking scout groups or the religious community to check their governance procedures despite their chequered history.

Is he grandstanding in the hope of Liberal Party preselection?

He is certainly not representing my views as a resident of the Kalgan ward.

Tony Anderson, Lower King

Letters to the editor must contain the author’s full name, address, and daytime contact number. Letters may be edited for space, clarity, or legal reasons. Email news@albanyadvertiser.com or post to PO Box 5168 Albany, WA, 6332.

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