SA Liberal Party embroiled in new ‘pride’ row as split emerges over plans to launch branch for gay and trans members

The SA Liberal Party is being asked to consider a new “pride branch” for gay and transgender supporters, sparking a backlash from “extremely opposed” members. Vote in the poll.

The Liberal Party’s pride branch push is led by former candidate Alan Howard-Jones and Upper House MP Michelle Lensink. Picture: Morgan Sette

The South Australian Liberal Party is being asked to consider a new “pride branch” for gay and transgender Liberal supporters, sparking a backlash from opponents.

A group of Left faction supporters is behind the contentious initiative, which a “proud father” of a trans teenager is spearheading with backing of two prominent Liberal MPs.

But the push, which state leader David Speirs is considering his position on, has caused outrage with the Right faction, which sources say is “extremely opposed”.

The potentially damaging split emerged as the party grapples with internal dissent on social issues and comes after heated debate about parliament’s war on gendered pronouns.

In Victoria, first term MP Moira Deeming was suspended, and is facing expulsion after attending an anti-trans rights rally, which sparked Liberal protests across Australia including at SA’s Women’s Council.

Under the new plans, which the Liberals’ conservative-controlled state executive administrative board has to approve, membership would allow supporters to debate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning or asexual issues.

Supporters, who say the plans are based on other similar successful interstate and overseas models, would be allowed to join from across the state.

The party’s constitution states a minimum 10 supporters are needed to register any new branch.

Former candidate Alan Howard-Jones and Upper House MP Michelle Lensink believe the branch reflects broader community appeal. Picture: Morgan Sette

The push currently has 15 backers while another 30 have signed a petition.

But sources said it was unlikely the state executive would approve the move due to its current conservative factional makeup.

Failed federal political candidate Alan Howard-Jones, 45, of Greenwith said the Liberal Party was about “freedom, and that includes … to love and express yourself however you choose”.

“As a father of a queer child, I am proud to see members … taking steps to promote inclusion and support,” said the father of three.

Liberal politicians Ben Hood with Nicola Centofanti, who are both against the push. Picture: Facebook

Liberal politicians Senator Alex Antic, left, and Mr Hood after the Upper House MP’s maiden speech last week. Senator Antic is also against the push. Picture: Facebook

Upper House MP Michelle Lensink said it was reflective of society, welcoming and safe. It had her support “based on concerns raised with her by many people in the community”.

“By establishing a Liberal Pride Branch, we are sending a message (we are) a party and home for everyone,” she said.

“(It) has always been a party that champions freedom and individual rights.”

Member for Unley, David Pisoni said the party is “all about freedom and empowerment of the individual, so of course I support anyone’s right to live their own lives as they choose”.

Newly minted Upper House MP, Ben Hood – whose sister is Labor member for Adelaide Lucy Hood – was among those to publicly reject the move.

“Liberal Party branches are already inclusive,” he said.

“We should be focusing on holding the state government to account on the cost of living crisis that all South Australians are enduring.”

Upper House leader Nicola Centofanti said while any new branches was a matter the executive, she added: “Our current branch structure embraces anyone who shares our Liberal values, therefore I do not believe the creation of non geographical branches is needed.”

Firebrand Senator Alex Antic was another MP who said he “did not support the formation of issues-based branches such as a ‘Pride Branch’”.

“The intent of the constitution is to make branches geographical in nature,” he said.

Mr Speirs, a member of the executive, said: “It would be inappropriate for me to comment before we meet to discuss.”