Liberal party ban on 500 Pentecostal Christians stirs bitter fight

A legal fight is brewing over a ban on 500 conservative Christians joining the Liberals, with a Senator declaring “cancel culture” has hit party HQ.

A ban on hundreds of conservative Christians joining the state Liberal Party may end up in court.

After emergency discussions on Saturday, several senior right-faction sources said the party’s attempt to keep about 500 Pentecostal Christians out of the party was in breach of legislation governing political organisations.

“We are all shell-shocked and legal discussions are already under way,’’ one senior conservative faction head said.

“The idea that any party founded on liberal principals and the rights of the individual can ban hundreds of supporters is so extraordinary.”

Liberal Senator Alex Antic spearheaded the recruitment campaign. Picture: Morgan Sette

One hundred applicants have had their membership controversially put on hold by the moderate-faction-dominated Liberal Party executive until they answer a series of loyalty questions.

About 400 other members have been asked to prove why they should be allowed to remain in the party.

Liberal MP for Barker Tony Pasin said the action had been met with “astonishment and confusion, rising to anger” by branch members.

Senator Alex Antic, who spearheaded the conservatives’ recruitment drive among Christians, said “cancel culture has struck party headquarters”.

“The message to people of faith is clear; they want to cancel you,’’ he said on Saturday.

Pentecostal pastor Rob Norman, whose application was rejected, said: “We will jump through the hoops and they are just stalling, so it is not time yet for legal action.”

Before court action is taken, an attempt will be made to overturn the executive vote at a meeting of the party’s state council next Saturday.

While the council – made up of delegates elected by party branches – is also dominated by the moderate faction, the more than 200 delegates are much harder to organise as a voting block.

Political parties are allowed to exclude applicants who support other political organisations and candidates, or are members of rival parties. But Section 61 of the SA Associations Incorporation Act 1985 can also be used to appeal such exclusion because it states the party cannot take “oppressive or unreasonable” action.

Liberal factional fighting started last year over tough Covid-19 restrictions on businesses and social reforms such as euthanasia and reforms for abortion law and sex work.

Party president Legh Davis would not comment on any potential legal action, saying: “Those who clearly support the party’s constitutional objectives and endorsed candidates will be welcome as members.”

Opposition government accountability spokesman Tom Koutsantonis. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Liberal MLC Dennis Hood – who joined the party after serving for Pentecostal-based Family First – said there was no reason why the applicants should be rejected.

Opposition government accountability spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said the Liberal Party was “in crisis”.

“This week, Steven Marshall said he had ‘no problem whatsoever’ with Christians joining the Liberal Party and said ‘we should be encouraging as many people to get involved in the political process as possible’,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“So why is the Liberal Party now kicking out hundreds of members?

“What is the justification for this? Does Steven Marshall support this purge?”

Mr Marshall said it was a matter for the party hierarchy, not him as premier.

Originally published as Liberal party ban on 500 Pentecostal Christians stirs bitter fight