The National Union of Students (NUS) LGBTI Department condemns former Liberal Party, newly independent Senator Cory Bernardi speaking at a fundraiser for far-right Islamophobic organisation Q Society. He will be speaking alongside current Liberal MP George Christensen, himself a vile racist.
Q Society is known for its racist fear-mongering, campaigning against mosque building in cities like Bendigo and for hosting such far-right luminaries as Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom, a party with ties to other European far right parties like the French National Front.
Q Society will now be hosting Bernardi and Christensen, known for their own right-wing, racist views, this Friday evening, 10 February at an as yet undisclosed location and in response, the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (CARF) has called for a demonstration to take place outside the venue when the location is revealed. NUS LGBTI endorses this protest and encourages LGBTI students to take part.
“As LGBTI people, we’re no stranger to the likes of Bernardi and Christensen,” says NUS LGBTI Officer Chris di Pasquale. “Whether they’re attacking anti-bullying programs like Safe Schools, or attacking marriage equality, these individuals relish in creating moral panic.”
“Today Bernardi has broken free of the Liberal Party and we should expect that his new outfit will only be more racist, more homophobic, more transphobic and more right-wing than ever before,” said di Pasquale.
“This is why as LGBTI students, we have common cause to stand alongside our Muslim brothers and sisters against Bernardi and Christensen’s bigotry.”
CARF is calling on anti-racist activists to meet 5 pm at Flinders Street Station and we will make our way to the protest location from there.
Facebook page for the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1428029084165136/
Sophie Johnston National President | National Union of Students
