ABC cancels controversial drag queen story hour for kids after ‘hateful response’
Controversial plans for the national broadcaster to host a drag queen story hour for children as young as three have been shelved.
NSW
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The ABC has backflipped on a controversial decision to organise a Drag Queen Story event for children as young as three in a Sydney suburban library after questions were raised about its “appropriateness” and “gender indoctrination”.
The national broadcaster had made the call-out on social media for children aged from three to five years to attend a four-hour event at Rockdale Library, in Sydney’s south, on February 22 as part of Mardi Gras.
However the ABC said it had a “hateful and offensive response” to its plans and it was “considering how we can safely host it”.
The head of the ABC Queer and Mardi Gras presenter Monique Schafter posted in a “Rainbow Families Community” Facebook group that: “The ABC is filming a drag story time event for the 2024 Mardi Gras broadcast and is looking for children between ages 3-5 years to take part. If you and your tiny humans are interested in taking part, please email.”
But after a backlash online, and questions raised by gender critical feminists, Christian groups, Liberal Senator Alex Antic and the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), the ABC cancelled the plans.
Bayside Council Mayor Bill Saravinovski said he wasn’t aware of the booking until Monday night when he saw it discussed on social media.
“We had no involvement,” he said. “I found out when the ABC rang sometime this morning, it was their decision.”
The IPA’s Dr Bella d’Abrera said it showed how out-of-touch the broadcaster was with mainstream Australians and their values.
“The ABC’s insidious desire to push radical gender theory on Australian children, this time those under 5 years of age, is deeply concerning and highly inappropriate.”
Senator Alex Antic asked when was the last time the ABC put their energies into covering an event “sympathetic to the views of mainstream Australia”.
“Australians need to understand that the ABC is heavily geared towards the promotion of the minority views of left-wing political persuasions to the utter exclusion of everyday Australians”.
Australian Christian Voice’s Greg Bondar said “children aged 3-5 should not be subjected to LGBTIQA+ ideology”.
“It is morally wrong for the ABC to be promoting Drag Queen indoctrination,” he said.
Women’s Rights Network Australia co-founder Kit Kowalski said “many women shared the complaints that they sent through to the ABC after hearing about this event - their concerns were set out in even tones, requesting that the ABC listen to the community on this issue”.
“The ABC is going being it’s remit to reflect the national character by actively organising controversial events where males dressed in a sexualised caricature of women read books to children,” she said.
In response to questions about the event, the ABC issued a statement:
“The ABC condemns the hateful and offensive response we have received from some individuals in response to the callout for this event.
“The event will no longer be held at the Rockdale Library and the ABC is considering how we can safely host it.
“The ABC invited families from within the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in a Drag Queen Story Time event which would be filmed as part of our Mardi Gras coverage.
“These events are designed for families and are regularly held in public spaces.
“The ABC is the official host broadcaster for the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. As part of this partnership the ABC showcases the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, aligning with its Charter obligation to reflect all Australians.”
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