Pauline Hanson slams Mark Latham’s homophobic slur as ‘disgusting’

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has slammed a homophobic slur made by party colleague Mark Latham as ‘disgusting’, calling on him to apologise immediately.

Mark Latham’s comments elicited an immediate backlash from across the political spectrum. Pictures: Julian Andrews

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has slammed a homophobic slur made by party colleague Mark Latham as “disgusting”, and called on him to apologise ­immediately.

Mr Latham launched an attack on Sydney MP Alex Greenwich during a late-night Twitter diatribe, responding to an article in which the independent had been quoted as criticising the NSW One Nation leader.

He responded to being described as disgusting with a highly vulgar question alluding to a gay sex act.

His comments elicited an immediate backlash from across the political spectrum, with Senator Hanson posting a video on Facebook condemning the former ALP leader’s comments, saying she had tried to call Mr Latham “a couple of times” with no luck.

“I want you to know that I don’t condone them, and neither do my members of parliament or party associates,” Senator Hanson said on Thursday afternoon.

“I think they are disgusting. I have tried to ring Mark a couple of times to no avail and have sent a text message to him telling him my views. I have also asked him to give the people an apology. I will leave it at that. It is now over to Mark to answer the people.”

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe also rebuked her Macquarie Street colleague, saying she was “physically sickened by that tweet”.

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

Mr Greenwich declined to engage with the matter: “My focus in parliament will be working with the majority of members who support the LGBTQ community to progress important ­reforms.”

Mr Latham was contacted for comment.

Pauline Hanson.

Mr Greenwich had previously slammed Mr Latham for his “disgusting” stance, after LGBTQIA+ activists required police protection after being targeted by hundreds of Christian Lives Matter members as they protested against a speech delivered by the One Nation leader.

In the article, Mr Greenwich said: “Mark Latham is a disgusting human being and people who are considering voting for One Nation need to realise they are voting for an extremely hateful and dangerous individual who risks causing a great deal of damage to our state.”

Mr Latham denounced the protest, saying it was tantamount to fascism and a “denial of democracy”, and he should be allowed to speak without hostility.

Expectations of a strong One Nation performance at Saturday’s NSW election failed to materialise, the party snagging just 1.8 per cent of the vote, but Mr Latham’s ploy to gain an extra Legislative Council member succeeded, with former Labor MP Tania Mihailuk to take his vacancy, boosting the party’s numbers to three.

As revealed by The Australian, Mr Latham is facing legal troubles over his mobile phone usage while driving. He is scheduled to face Local Court in Gosford in mid-April after being detected using his phone by a camera.