Mark Latham sued for defamation over homophobic tweet
New South Wales independent MP Alex Greenwich said he will initiate defamation proceedings against Mark Latham in coming days over a homophobic tweet.
Greenwich gave Latham until yesterday to issue an apology for the vile tweet directed at the member for Sydney.
But after being told by Latham’s lawyers that he had no intention of apologising, Greenwich said he would begin legal action.
9news.com.au has chosen not to publish Latham’s tweet.
“This is not a process I enter into lightly, and a process I wish I didn’t have to engage in,” Greenwich said in a statement.
“However, Mr Latham’s homophobic, sexualised attack has exposed me to contempt, ridicule and extreme abuse, based on my sexuality, and demands actions.”
Greenwich has lodged a complaint of homosexual vilification and sexual harassment against Latham with Anti-Discrimination NSW.
He has also made a police complaint against Latham for using a carriage service to menace, harass and offend.
That investigation is ongoing.
“It’s 2023 and LGBTQIA+ Australians shouldn’t have to put up with abuse that targets our sexuality, character, or ability to do our jobs,” Greenwich said.
Latham is currently serving in the NSW upper house as the leader of One Nation.
He previously served as Labor’s federal opposition leader from 2003 to 2005.
