Man seeking to replace Laming faces sexist, fat-shaming claims
The Liberal National Party is reportedly probing alleged sexism and fat shaming comments by a pre-selection candidate for the Brisbane seat being vacated by federal MP Andrew Laming.
Messages allegedly from Liberal Henry Pike, whoās vying for preselection in Bowman on Saturday, show him fat shaming women in a group chat.
The messages, written more than a decade ago, were published after a complaint by a female LNP member.
ā(It) states quite clearly in the Bible that f****** a fat chick is a sin beyond redemption,ā Pike wrote in a message, reported by Sky News on Thursday.
āI walked in on a scene of absolute sexual carnage ā¦ we had (someone) in bed with what could only be described as a small planet,ā he allegedly wrote in another message.
āNo-one would call me a small planet because I am fit and lean, I am like a champion greyhound.ā
You might like
Pike is being backed in his pre-selection bid by federal Assistant Minister for Women Amanda Stoker.
He gave a statement to Sky News about the allegations.
āTwelve years ago I was part of a private group chat that doesnāt reflect the person Iāve grown to be,ā Pike said.
āLike lots of men, Iām embarrassed about some of the things I said when I was younger and would never say today.ā
Stay informed, daily
AAP has sought comment from the LNP.
Saturdayās preselection ballot for Bowman follows Dr Lamingās foreshadowed resignation ahead of the next federal election.
Laming, 54, was accused of taking an unsolicited photograph of a woman bending over at work while her underwear was exposed.
He says police investigated and found no evidence of a criminal offence.
The MP also categorically denies allegations he harassed two women from his electorate over several years.
The prime minister ordered him to apologise to two women and had him undertake a short online empathy course.
Laming, whose vote gives the coalition government a one-seat majority in the lower house, has claimed heās a victim of character assassinations and his conduct towards women has been misrepresented.
He also revealed heās been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attributed that to some of his behaviour towards women.
Last week, another three women made fresh allegations about the MPās ācreepyā behaviour making them feel uncomfortable. Laming has ācomprehensively rejectedā those allegations.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Want to see more stories from InDaily Qld in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily Qld as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily Qld". That's it.
