Scott Morrison has performed a quick backflip on new laws for trans athletes after copping criticism over one of his hand-picked candidates’ social media posts.
The Prime Minister had backed a ban on transgender women competing in female sports and flagged the possibility of legislating on the issue if he is returned to power at the May 21 poll.
He reiterated his support for Tasmanian Liberal senator Claire Chandler’s so-called “Save Women’s Sport” bill on the first day of the election campaign on Monday.
But by Wednesday afternoon he had changed his tune, telling reporters in the marginal electorate of Geelong: “It is a private member’s bill”.
“The government does not have any plans for that to be a government bill,” he said.
Mr Morrison had encouraged Senator Chandler to pursue the legislation, which he described earlier this year as “terrific”.
His pick for the Sydney seat of Warringah, Katherine Deves, apologised on Wednesday for the “language used” in numerous social media posts she had made about trans women.
Mr Morrison had on Monday backed Ms Deves as being “right on the money”, saying he shared her views, and described Senator Chandler as “brave”.
Ms Deves, a lawyer and biological sex campaigner who co-founded the Save Women’s Sport lobby group, had in one social media post from 2021 said she was “triggered” by the rainbow pride flag.
Ms Deves has been outspoken on social media and in interviews about trans issues and her opposition to transgender people, such as swimmer Lia Thomas, competing and winning against other women.
“My advocacy for the rights and safety of women and girls is well known, and I stand by my desire to ensure we protect the safety of women and girls and our entire community,’’ Ms Deves said in her apology on Wednesday.
“However, the language I used was not acceptable, and for that I apologise.”
Mr Morrison was asked about her posts on Wednesday. He said she had “apologised and withdrawn those”.
Asked about his previously stated backing of Ms Deves’ views, he said he had been referring to his personal support for Senator Chandler’s bill.
Ms Deves is hoping to snatch Warringah back for the Liberals from independent MP Zali Steggall, who ousted Tony Abbott in the formerly blue ribbon seat at the 2019 election.
Ms Steggall on Wednesday called for Ms Deves to be dis-endorsed for her social media posts, which she said had “targeted transgender children”.
“Her appalling and divisive comments were well known before the Prime Minister selected her, which begs the question – what did he already know?” Ms Steggall said.
Advocacy organisation Equality Australia’s trans campaigner, Jackie Turner, said Ms Deves’ comments were an “example of the dehumanising abuse that trans people, and the broader LGBTIQ+ community, encounter every day”.
“The candidate may have apologised for the language she used, but the kind of misinformation she has perpetuated results in the extreme levels of marginalisation of trans people, and some of the worst mental health outcomes in the community,” Turner said.
“We call on all parties and candidates to treat trans and gender diverse people with dignity and respect.”
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said Mr Morrison seemed to be unaware the rules around transgender athletes entering competitions were already coveredxjmtzyw by the Sex Discrimination Act and regulated by sporting bodies.
The nation’s major sporting organisations, including Netball Australia and Cricket Australia, have introduced inclusivity policies for transgender and gender diverse people playing across their codes.
