Government bans Yiannopoulos…again
March 17, 2019 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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The announcement of the on again, off again, on again and now finally off again visit to Australia by Milo Yiannopoulos following the racist attack in Christchurch which left 50 dead has been welcomed by the Anti-Defamation Commission,
Milo Yiannopoulos. Photo: Facebook
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission said: “We commend the government for repudiating this demagogue of hate and for preventing him from spreading his poisonous rhetoric and vilification on our shores.Australian
Anyone who wishes to blow on the embers of division and to malign the Islamic community, especially during this heartbreaking period of grief and mourning for them and for us all, is not welcome here, and this decision conveys the unequivocal message that we will protect all Australians from incitement and demonization.
In various speeches, the UK-born Yiannopoulos has launched vicious attacks against Muslims, women, black people and members of the LGBTIQ community, and his latest stomach-churning and revolting comments about the terrorist attack in Christchurch must be rejected and decried.”
Australian Immigration Minister David Coleman confirmed that Yiannopoulos is no longer welcome in the country saying “Milo Yiannopoulos will not be allowed to enter Australia for his proposed tour this year.”
According to Wikipedia, Yiannopoulos is a former editor for Breitbart News who describes himself as a “cultural libertarian”.
This makes me sad. Yiannopoulos expressed his opinion, as he is legally entitled to do in countries that claim to hold free speech as a basic right. He would have crossed the line if he advocated violence, but he did not. Tactless and hurtful most definitely, but should we deny people Visas because they have tactless or hurtful? That would end immigration and tourism for a start!
I personally think it is appalling that a controversial guest speaker can come to our country and, because of the disgusting, violent behaviour of some of our citizens, be charged $50,000 by Victoria Police for the cost of policing his event. Aren’t the police paid, from our taxes, to keep the public safe when they attend events? Do our politicians have to personally pay this ‘excess’ fee?
Canberra dithering once again !!