Media release: Quit the double standard when it comes to sexism

Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm will not be apologising to Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, despite calls from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to do so.

“I will not apologise for calling out double standards and misandry when I see it,” Senator Leyonhjelm said.

“Society deems misogyny unacceptable and I completely agree with this stance. But let’s start being consistent here.

“Senator Hanson-Young has a history of saying derogatory and sexist things about men and implying that all men are collectively responsible for the crimes of a few.

“If I went about claiming women were incapable of controlling themselves and saying women were pigs and morons — as Senator Hanson-Young has publicly described men — I would be howled down for making such deeply misogynist comments and rightly so.

“I believe there are many Australian men and women who, like me, are fed up with men being collectively blamed for the actions of a few sick individuals who assault, rape and murder.”

Senator Leyonhjelm said robust conversation was routine in parliament during heated debates but most politicians managed to take it on the chin and not resort to threatening legal action.

“I suggest my Senate colleague calm down and accept the fact that many people find misandrist comments just as obnoxious as misogynist comments,” he said.

Prominent clinical psychologist and social commentator Bettina Arndt will speak in Parliament House in Canberra on 21 August on the issue of growing misandry at the invitation of Senator Leyonhjelm.

Media: Kelly Burke 0408 734 586