Victorian State Election 2018: Liberal candidate stands by ‘harmful’ and ‘hurtful’ comments

A LIBERAL election candidate on the campaign trail for the November state election has stood by her ‘harmful’ and ‘hurtful’ comments about the LGBTI community.

YAN YEAN Liberal candidate Meralyn Klein has defended her right to an opinion after being accused of posting “derogatory” comments online.

The former Nillumbik councillor has come under fire for two posts she published on Facebook where she urged people to “wake up” to the “push by the homosexual community to force their idealoligy (sic) onto our children through the school system”.

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Ms Klein shared a Marriage Alliance link and wrote: “While in Europe last week we heard of a push to allow Tri Marriages.”

“Once you drop the moral compass everything is up for grabs, it’s all downhill and open to any and all deviations,” she wrote.

Readers contacted the Diamond Valley Leader “upset and hurt” by the comments.

Lucas, who didn’t want his surname published, said they were “harmful derogatory comments” while Marina said they were “divisive”.

An unrepentant Ms Klein said she respected everyone’s right to have a say, but “I won’t be stifled in my view because it’s different from other people’s”.

“I’ve been upset and offended that people have called me a Christian zealot because I happen to believe and have faith in God,” she said.

“Many people might think it’s OK to say to your little boy that you’re allowed to have a different gender. You don’t have to stick to the one gender.”

“As a Christian, I find that offensive.”

Meralyn Klein, pictured with children Jaclyn and Mark and husband John, ran in the 2016 Nillumbik Council election in different wards.

Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby co-convenor Dale Park told the Leader it was disappointing to see a candidate post such hurtful, damaging and inaccurate comments.

“Candidates should respect and demonstrate their ability to support and work with all communities,” Mr Park said.

“These posts suggest a lack of understanding of LGBTIQ communities or a willingness to represent them effectively.”

The Liberal Party didn’t respond to Leader’s request for comment.

The 2018 State Election will be held on November 24.

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