Abetz linked to gay-hate group

SALT Shakers is a Melbourne-based group that advocates hatred of homosexuals and intolerance of non-Christian faiths.

At a recent meeting of the Heidelberg branch of the Young Liberals, Salt Shakers Executive Director, Peter Stokes, declared homosexuals to be the greatest threat to society.

In a recent newsletter the same man condemned the Australian Government for its current practice of illuminating Parliament House to mark the Hindu Festival of Lights … his reason: the Bible says there is only one God.

Salt Shakers might not matter to most Tasmanians. We like to think we’ve put this kind of bigotry behind us.

But on Saturday night Salt Shakers inaugural annual dinner will be addressed by leading Tasmanian Liberal Senator, and Federal Government Minister, Eric Abetz.

The timing couldn’t be worse.

According to recent surveys in Victoria, hate crimes against gays and lesbians, and against Muslims, are increasing at an alarming rate.

Yet here is a senior member of the Government giving hatred his stamp of approval.

John Howard should demote Abetz from the federal ministry for undermining his Government’s commitment to tolerance of homosexual and religious minorities.

Tacitly endorsing the politics of hate and division

If he doesn’t, he will be tacitly endorsing the politics of hate and division.

If this seems like too strong a response, just imagine the outcry if Abetz addressed a group which denounced Jews or Aborigines as the greatest threat to society.

He’d be out on his ear.

Some people will dismiss Salt Shakers as a fringe group, and there’s no doubt some of its views are best laughed away.

For example, Peter Stokes has claimed that homosexuals advocate sex with animals, that our average life expectancy is 42, and that the only way to ensure your child is really yours is to marry a virgin.

He has also boycotted Arnott’s biscuits for advertising with openly gay celebrity Carlton Kressley, and for ‘promoting pornography’ with a Tim Tam ad campaign featuring a semi-naked woman.

But much more serious is Eric Abetz decision to dignify such views.

It comes down to whether our national leadership is prepared to show some respect for diversity and difference or whether it caves in to some of the very worst fears and prejudices.

Senator Abetz’s address to the inaugural annual Salt Shakers dinner will be at 7.30pm on Saturday August 27th at The Tudor, 1101 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill, Melbourne.

References for the Salt Shaker views cited above are listed below:

“The greatest threat to society currently rests with homosexuality.” Peter Stokes, Executive Officer, Salt Shakers, to the Heidelberg branch of the Young Liberals, as reported in MCV newspaper, July 2005

“Another law that says that same sex relationships are okay sends the wrong message to our children. It says to them that homosexual relationships are okay, and they are not. The average life expectancy for homosexuals is about 42 years.” Peter Stokes to the Senate Select Committee on Superannuation and Financial Services.

“Mr. Stokes claimed that homosexuals advocated sex with animals and that they would want to leave our money to cats and dogs.” From evidence given to a senate committee hearing in the Superannuation (Entitlements of same sex couples) Bill 2000. March 13, 2000.

“[My wife] Jenny and I have not purchased ANY Arnott’s biscuits since we saw they used ‘Queer Eye’ star Carson Kressley to promote their biscuits.” Peter Stokes in Salt Shakers e-mail, May 17th, 2005.

“Tim Tams promote pornography … The latest advertising campaign for Tim Tams, conducted by Arnotts (the manufacturer), features a naked reclining woman. She is covered in the ‘vital areas’ by ‘chocolate’ ribbons. Titled ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ the advertisements focus on titillation and lust.” Peter and Jenny Stokes, Salt Shakers Journal, May 6th 2005

“Marrying a virgin and being totally faithful within your marriage is the only way to be 100 per cent sure your child is yours …” Peter Stokes, letter in Melbourne Age, March 23rd 2005.

“[Regarding the illumination of several Australian Parliament buildings to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights] “You shall have
NO other gods before me”, said God in Exodus 20. This is what our great nation was founded upon … Why then are governments in Australia paying homage to OTHER gods. Why were the federal parliament building, the ACT parliament and the NSW parliament used to ‘honour’’ the Hindu religion and its multitude of gods? … Have you noticed the RAIN lately? Could this be because Christians woke up, repented of their apathy and put Christian values back on the political agenda at the last election? How long will the rain last if we pay homage to other gods in the way our governments did last weekend?” Peter Stokes, e-mail to supporters, November 15 2004.

Read more of Rodney Croome: HERE