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Draft:Moira Deeming
Moira Deeming is an Australian politician and former member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the Western Metropolitan Region, representing the Liberal Party of Australia. Known for her staunchly conservative views, Deeming has attracted controversy for her positions on gender identity, LGBTQIA+ issues, and her involvement with rallies linked to far-right groups. While her actions have alienated some within her party, she remains a figurehead for certain elements of Australia's cultural conservative movement.
Background[edit]
Born in Victoria, Australia, Moira Deeming trained as a teacher before venturing into politics. She was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council in 2022, quickly earning a reputation as a vocal conservative. Prior to her election, she was active in campaigns opposing Safe Schools, a program designed to combat bullying against LGBTQIA+ students, labeling it "indoctrination."
Political Views[edit]
Deeming's political career has been marked by her outspoken views on:
- Gender and Sexuality: She opposes recognition of transgender identities, claiming they undermine women's rights. This has placed her at odds with more progressive factions within the Liberal Party and broader Australian society.
- Education: A strong critic of inclusive education programs, Deeming has advocated for the removal of materials she considers "inappropriate" from schools.
- Free Speech: Deeming frequently cites free speech as a justification for her controversial statements and associations, though critics argue this is a cover for promoting discriminatory views.
Controversies[edit]
Rally Participation[edit]
In 2023, Deeming participated in a rally purportedly supporting women's rights, which garnered widespread backlash due to the presence of far-right activists, including some performing Nazi salutes. Although Deeming denied any connection to these individuals, her involvement led to significant political fallout. The Rally was attended by members of the National Socialist Network in Australia.
Expulsion from the Liberal Party[edit]
Following the rally, Deeming was suspended and later expelled from the Victorian Liberal Party. Liberal leader John Pesutto cited her actions as damaging to the party's image and inconsistent with its values. Deeming, however, framed her expulsion as an attack on free speech and conservative principles.
In subsequent legal proceedings, the Federal Court ruled that Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto defamed Deeming by suggesting she associated with neo-Nazis. The court awarded Deeming $300,000 in damages, affirming her stance that she neither knew of nor engaged with the neo-Nazi group at the rally. In short despite Nazis enjoying her speech, attending her rally positively, and mingling with other rally goers happily the court states well "who knows".
Views on LGBTQIA+ Rights[edit]
Deeming has been a vocal opponent of laws and policies supporting LGBTQIA+ Australians, including bans on conversion therapy and measures to allow transgender people to self-identify. Her rhetoric has been widely criticized as harmful and exclusionary.
Impact and Legacy[edit]
While Deeming's tenure in the Liberal Party was short-lived, her actions have highlighted tensions within Australian conservatism. Her expulsion underscored the growing divide between moderates and hardliners in the Liberal Party, raising questions about its future direction.
Notable Quotes[edit]
- "Gender ideology is a threat to women's rights and safety." – Moira Deeming, 2023
- "Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend." – Moira Deeming, 2023
- "I stand for common-sense values, not political correctness." – Moira Deeming, date unspecified
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
- The Age: The backlash to Moira Deeming’s rally explained.
- The Guardian: Moira Deeming expelled from Liberal Party.