Senator Sarah Hanson-Young’s character reference for wife slapper prompts Greens revolt
Sarah Hanson-Young has defended her decision to write a character reference for a wife slapper because it would help people move on with their lives. But it seems not everyone in the Greens is buying it.
SA News
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South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has come under fire from those in her own party – including a state MP and the local Women’s Action Group – after she gave a character reference to a friend who slapped his wife.
SA Greens Upper House MP Tammy Franks has called for Senator Hanson-Young to retract her defence of a character reference she wrote for a “friend” who slapped his wife. “I think she needs to apologise for her actions,” Ms Franks said.
“Her statements on the weekend (justifying the character reference) were a grave error in judgment. I think she should not hold a domestic violence or women’s-related portfolio in the future. She has put her personal life in front of the sector.”
Senator Hanson-Young told The Advertiser on Tuesday night: “I do not and have never condoned or excused domestic violence, any suggestion otherwise is absurd. Supporting women who are victims of DV has been and always will be my main priority.”
The Women’s Action Group has indicated it is “on strike” from helping Senator Hanson-Young until it is satisfied with her justification. Young SA Greens has also been urged to consider its support for the SA senator, who has made headlines worldwide for her stance against misogyny.
Last week, and over the weekend, Senator Hanson-Young defended her decision to vouch for the “very good character” of a man, who pinned down his wife and slapped her in the face.
She said the reference was requested by both parties to help the family move on with their lives. A Facebook message in a closed group for SA Young Greens members, obtained by The Advertiser, says the Women’s Action Group had vowed to not take part in campaigns that Senator Hanson-Young was spearheading or be “involved in the creation of media for her”.
“There are multiple responses we can have to this, including no response at all, and I would encourage people to consider what action they believe would be most appropriate for the SA Young Greens,” the post said.
The post also said the matter should be kept in-house so as not to create a “media circus” or lead to a “very public discussion about the SA Greens’ attitude on domestic violence”.
The Advertiser understand Senator Hanson-Young has offered to have meetings with any party members to discuss any concerns.
“Out of respect for all party members and internal processes, I will not be making comment in relation to this matter,” she said. She was last year awarded $120,000 in a defamation case against former senator David Leyonhjelm, who was found to have acted with “malice” by repeating false claims that she had said “all men are rapists”.