Two local animal rights candidates have withdrawn their candidacy from the Federal election, after they were criticised for sharing news stories on transgender issues.
Animal Justice Party (AJP) candidate for Forde Linda McCarthy and Rankin candidate Suzanne Clarke have resigned from the party, in the lead-up to the election on May 21.
The pair withdrew after they were claimed to have misused personal social media accounts to share news articles on transgender issues, in a manner that went against their party’s core values.
In early April, Ms McCarthy shared two articles on her personal Facebook page, relating to transgender issues.
Ms McCarthy claims she only shared the articles and did not write a personal opinion herself.
Ms Clarke reacted to at least one post, with an emoji.
Ms McCarthy reasoned sharing the stories, as they related to a topical conversation to be had.
Consequently, both candidates were called to front the AJP committee, due to receiving complaints labelling the pair transphobic and bigoted.
During this time, Ms McCarthy and Ms Clarke were allegedly subject to intense abuse and trolling online.
The AJP committee requested both candidates to make a public apology and undertake gender training.
The pair, who consequently felt their values were being compromised, then resigned from the party and withdrew their candidacy from the election.
In a statement, the AJP acknowledged the resignations of the candidates.
“Recently, there were AJP candidates who used their personal social media platform to express their views on some transgender issues in a way which we believe was not in line with the AJP’s Core Values.
“When it became clear that differences were irreconcilable, the candidates resigned from the AJP and are no longer members.
“The AJP unreservedly apologises for the harm this matter has caused.
“As nominations have closed and the Australian Electoral Commission is printing the ballot papers, there is no process available to remove their names from the ballot.
“So while ‘Animal Justice Party’ will appear on the ballot, if they are not on our list of candidates they are not AJP members or candidates.
“The AJP recently announced its new Gender Equality Position which recognises and celebrates the substantive contributions and achievements of women and gender-diverse persons.
“We are confident that this binding position will help AJP members, candidates and supporters work towards a society where all people are affirmed and valued.”
Ms McCarthy says the pair they are extremely disappointed at what has happened.
“We stood strong for women’s rights, we did not compromise our beliefs on the sex based rights for women and girls and we have no regrets.
“It was only two months ago that we attended IWD Brisbane Meanjin’s gathering and listened to stories of women being silenced on speaking up about this issue, never knowing that in such a short period of time that we would be subjected to the same intense bullying and intimidation.
“In 2022, women are too frightened to speak out on this issue and that is concerning.”
