Sydney MP Alex Greenwich files legal complaint against One Nation’s Mark Latham

Ales Greewich has filed a formal legal complaint against One Nation’s Mark Latham for a “homophobic and sexualised attack” made towards him on social media.

Sydney Independent MP Alex Greenwich has made a formal legal complaint against NSW One Nation Leader Mark Latham for the “homophobic and sexualised attack” made towards him on social media.

And he is considering making a submission about One Nation leader Mark Latham comments to the parliament’s independent complaints officer.
Mr Greenwich revealed he had taken initial steps ahead of launching proceedings on Monday, after writing to Mr Latham calling for an apology for his “defamatory and homophobic” slurs made via Twitter in March.

Speaking to media on Monday, Mr Greenwich said there were a number of options he was considering inside the parliament including taking a complaint to the upper house privileges and ethics committee.

Despite this he said he was more hopeful to have success with the legal system.

NSW One Nation’s Mark Latham has refused to apologise to Mr Greenwich for his comments made on Twitter. Picture: Julian Andrews

Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich has threatened to launch legal proceedings unless Mr Latham apologises for his comments.

“Whether it is through the courts, the police or the anti-discrimination board, those will be my focus,” he said.
“Enough is enough. I’ve been openly gay in public life for 15 years and in NSW parliament for over 10 years, and never have I experienced such a homophobic, sexualised attack that exposed me to contempt, ridicule and extreme abuse, based on my sexuality,” he said.

“It’s 2023 and LGBTQIA+ Australians shouldn’t have to put up with abuse that targets our sexuality, character, or ability to do our jobs.”

Mr Greenwich has lodged a complaint of homosexual vilification against Mr Latham with the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW, and made a police complaint against Mr Latham for “using a carriage service to menace / harass / offend.”

“On 30 March 2023, Mark Latham posted a tweet that was a defamatory and homophobic attack on the Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich MP. He followed that up with media commentary that doubled down on his attack,” a statement issued by Mr Greenwich on Monday said.

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has filed a legal complaint against One Nation’s Mark Latham for “homophobic” comments.

“Unless Mr Latham apologises and makes amends to Mr Greenwich, Mr Greenwich intends to commence defamation proceedings against Mr Latham,” Greenwich said.

The Sydney MP also revealed he will be approaching social media giant Twitter to address the platform‘s allowance of “extreme homophobia, transphobia, racism and religious bigotry.”

Last week Mr Latham lashed out at his party’s leader Pauline Hanson after she demanded he apologise to Mr Greenwich for the homophobic tweet.

Speaking to host Chris Smith on an online radio show on Thursday, Mr Latham accused Ms Hanson of not contacting him after she condemned his comments and demanded he apologise.

Senator Pauline Hanson has said Mr Latham’s commented are “disgusting”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Pauline hasn’t rung me at any stage, I’ve had no contact from her whatsoever,” Mr Latham said.

“I’m assuming as a woman, she does not understand how straight men feel about this.

“She hasn’t contacted me and I’m not apologising, I’m not resigning from anything, I’m not apologising and I’m not backing down.”

During his radio appearance Mr Latham continued for ten minutes to repeat his previous comments, detailing graphic and homophobic descriptions of sex acts, which The Daily Telegraph has chosen not to print.
Mr Greenwich said he had received support from both sides of parliament, speaking with NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman yesterday.

“A number of members of the oppositions have reached out to me personally to wish me well,” he said.

“I’m glad that the opposition leader has also called this out.”

The member for Sydney said he had listened to Me Latham’s interview with Chris Smith in full and it was one of the main reasons for the legal action.

“That interview was something,” he said.

“It was deeply upsetting, deeply disturbing.”

Mr Latham caused community outrage and condemnation from all sides of the political spectrum when he posted a tweet last month in response to an article in which Mr Greenwich called Mr Latham “a disgusting human being”.

The article was about LGBTQ+ protesters being targeted outside an event Mr Latham spoke at in March.

In response, Mr Latham posted “Disgusting?” and went on to make gratuitous comments about a sexual act.

The outspoken politician was widely panned for his remark.

Ms Hanson said in a video statement neither she nor the party condoned his comments.

“I think they are disgusting. I’ve actually tried ring Mark a couple of times, to no avail,” she said.

Premier Chris Minns labelled him a bigot and environment Minister Penny Sharpe saying his comments made her feel “physically sickened”.

“Homophobia is always unacceptable and there is never an excuse. Mr Latham should apologise to Alex Greenwich immediately,” Ms Sharpe said.

Mr Latham later removed the post, stating he didn’t want children to read it.

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