FIGHT CLUB! WHAT THE HATERS ARE SAYING.
THE HATER: MARGARET COURT
Anti-LGBT former tennis star, Margaret Court serves another hatefilled “sermon”, this time attacking trans people. During her rant, Court suggests young people read the Bible instead of exploring their gender identity.
THE REPLY: MARTINA NAVRATILOVA
Fellow tennis legend Martina Navratilova takes to Twitter to condemn Court’s comments, calling them “outrageous” and accusing her of hiding behind her Bible to spout hate. Her response makes headlines around the world.
THE HATER: ATTORNEY, DONALD MCBATH
Anti-gay, Trump-supporting, Christian, Florida attorney, Donald McBath tweets that, “If the homosexual continues committing that sin of sodomy, his soul faces ETERNAL damnation.” He also says, “never trust a Muslim”.
THE REPLY: THE SUPREME COURT
Florida’s Supreme Court suspends him, stating that his views are at odds with his profession. They also fine him $1,386. Later, McBath complains: “I absolutely can still be fair no matter what kind of beliefs that I may have.”
THE HATERS: ONE MILLION MOMS
American anti-gay group, One Million Moms petitions US TV network The Hallmark Channel to pull a series of ads promoting wedding services for same-sex couples, leading to channel bosses removing them from all commercial breaks.
THE REPLY: ELLEN DEGENERES
Prominent celebrities including Ellen join LGBT-ally Twitter users to use the hashtag #BoycottHallmarkChannel. Hallmark responds by saying it now realises the hurt it caused by pulling the ads and promises to reinstate them and consider its diversity policy.
THE HATER: THE HILLSONG CHURCH
The Hillsong Church, with a proven track record of anti-gay attitudes and behaviour, announces a national tour of Australia’s schools in March and April 2020 to peddle their beliefs to children.
THE REPLY: LESBIAN MUM
Fiona Newton, a lesbian mother with a three-year-old son in a school on Hillsong’s hit-list launches a petition against the tour. “As non-religious and LGBTI people we have the right to send our children to school without fear of them being brainwashed into a religion,” says Fiona. The change.org petition has now reached almost 30,000 signatures.