Albany councillor Thomas Brough slammed for homophobic comments during week of pride

albany councillor thomas brough slammed for homophobic comments during week of pride

Thomas Brough told the ABC he stood by his comments. (Supplied)

A regional West Australian queer group has condemned a councillor who suggested people sexually attracted to children were part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

City of Albany councillor Thomas Brough made the comments during his opening remarks at last night’s ordinary council meeting.

Dr Brough falsely claimed the community should be aware paedophiles, or what he dubbed “minor-attracted persons” were part of the “+” in LGBTQIA+.

“I would encourage people to look into what minor-attracted persons are,” he told the meeting.

His comments came after fellow councillor Amanda Cruse praised the Albany Pride Festival, one of the largest pride festivals in regional Australia, and discussed criticism she had received for supporting the festival.

Albany Pride committee member Tiger Bird said the comments had no basis or evidence.

“Frankly, it’s laughable and it’s just ridiculous and the fact that in 2024, we’re still rehashing antiquated nonsense is frankly astounding,” they said.

“The ‘plus’ doesn’t, despite his claims, include minor-attracted people.

“We need to ask this councillor where he’s getting his information from, and to categorically deny a lot of the claims that could be made against him.”

Councillor doubles down

During an ABC interview this morning Dr Brough again falsely claimed the “plus” included people “sexually attracted to children”, according to sources on the internet.

“I just think we’re talking about a broad coalition,” he said.

“People are rightly concerned about some of the people who come into that coalition.

“I’m not interested in what people get up to in the bedroom — it’s none of my business.

“However, incorporation of people who are adults sexually attracted to children, minor-attracted persons, is a cause for concern if you’re adding them into a coalition.”

Dr Brough, who was first elected to council in 2021, works at Albany Hospital’s emergency department and runs a tree farm in Kalgan.

He is a potential candidate for Liberal Party preselection for the seat of Albany at next year’s state election.

Dr Brough confirmed he was a member of the Liberal Party but directed any questions about a nomination for preselection to the Liberal state director.

“I am member of the Liberal party, proudly so — but in terms of internal party working, that’s a matter for the internal party structure,” he said.

‘Bizarre’ remarks ‘not appropriate’

WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam said the comments were “bizarre”.

“I need to better understand that, but obviously those comments are not appropriate,” she said this morning.

Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said the comments made at the meeting reflected Dr Brough’s own views.

“Remarks by Councillor Brough during the recent ordinary council meeting were part of his elected member report and express his personal opinions alone, not those of council,” he said in a statement.

“The council plays a role in encouraging and promoting inclusivity and diversity within our community and its support for the Pride Festival aligns with this.”

Fellow councillor Lynn MacLaren said she was disappointed with Dr Brough’s comments, which she believed could cause harm to many in the community.

“It’s just completely wrong,” she said.

“I mean, it’s just a completely wrong thing to be spreading … it’s sad that Tom has chosen to raise this.

“I think it just illustrates there’s a lack of education, and we need to be on the front foot in teaching people that there are still terrible stories that people tell which have no truth to them.”

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