Refusing to shake hands is becoming the new way to insult one’s political opponents

By refusing to accept Simon Birmingham’s proffered handshake, Penny Wong has started a trend, the ABC, yesterday:

All had gone well until it was time to leave, when Mr Shorten approached two workers … His hand outstretched, he stepped in, only for it to be left hanging as the high-vis-wearing worker stared it down. Undeterred, Mr Shorten tried again with another worker. Within seconds it was 0-2.

Recall the Trump-Merkel standoff? USA Today, March 17, 2017:

Amid the chaos of President Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s first meeting in the Oval Office, a request was made. Photographers wondered if the world leaders would shake hands. Merkel turned to Trump. “Do you want a handshake?” she asked. Trump didn’t respond. And then Merkel made a face.

It happens in women’s soccer, too, Daily Mail, September 20, 2017:

Sam Kerr, the world’s best female footballer, has added another starring performance to a resume that is rapidly catapulting her into superstardom. Kerr led the Matildas to a 3-2 victory over the game’s spiritual nation, Brazil, in the latest showing of Australia’s growing international dominance in the world game … The game was marred by a total lack of respect and sportsmanship from the Brazilians following the game as they refused to shake hands with their opposition … “Not shaking hands, it’s not an Australian thing … it’s not something I think is very … I don’t real­ly like it, but whatever,” Kerr said.

Religious grounds? The New York Times, August 16 last year:

A Muslim woman in Sweden who said she was discriminated against in a job interview for refusing to shake hands on religious grounds has been awarded financial compensation by a labour court.

Make it illegal, The New York Times, December 20 last year:

Denmark will require anyone who takes Danish citizenship to shake hands at the naturalisation ceremony, under a law passed on Thursday, which lawmakers say is aimed at Muslims who refuse on religious grounds to touch members of the opposite sex.

A blow for gender equality, Agence France-Presse, August 18, last year:

The Swiss city of Lausanne has blocked a Muslim couple’s bid to become Swiss nationals over their refusal to shake hands with members of the opposite sex. The municipality said it refused to grant the couple’s citizenship application over their lack of respect for gender equality.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale downplays links with his party and the woman who tried to egg Scott Morrison, SBS News, Wednesday:

This is a disgraceful attempt by News Limited (sic) because an individual shared a post.

Greens update, Andrew Bolt, Herald Sun, yesterday:

Four days after a Greens’ supporter attacked the Prime Minister with an egg, the Victorian Greens Women’s Network is still urging other supporters to egg him. And the Greens claim to be against violence and hate speech. Monstrous hypocrites.

Radio 2GB, Thursday:

The Greens have stood by their indigenous candidate after an offensive social media post about an Aboriginal Country Liberal. Greens candidate George Hanna posted on Facebook early this year a picture of Country Liberal Jacinta Price drinking from a coconut with the caption, “It’s not every day you see a coconut drinking from a coconut”.

London’s The Sun finds the origins of the royal baby’s name, yesterday:

Baby Archie was named after Meg­han’s pet cat and a vintage US comic she used to collect, her pals believe … “Meghan loved that cat,” said one.