Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been allegedly head-butted by a same-sex marriage supporter while the MP was visiting Hobart tonight.
The incident occurred while Abbott was leaving The Mercury Newspaper offices and was set upon by the man who was wearing a “yes” badge.
Speaking with Sydney radio station 2GB a short time after the incident Abbott said a staff member, who was with him at the time, briefly grappled with the guy before he ran off swearing.
“A fellow sang out to me ‘Hey Tony’, and I turned around to see a chap wearing a “vote yes” badge and he said ‘I want to shake your hand’,” explained Abbott to 2GB.
“I went over to shake his hand and he head-butted me.
“The only damage was a very very slightly swollen lip.
“It was just a reminder of how ugly this debate (same-sex marriage survey) is getting.”
Soon after the attack became known the Marriage Equality Campaign released a statement that didn’t respond to the incident directly but reminded its staff and volunteers to treat everyone with respect and dignity.
The AFL is committed to equality & diversity, & we support the rights of all Australians to live, work & play free from discrimination. pic.twitter.com/XUoAuEcwzJ
— AFL (@AFL) September 20, 2017
This incident followed AFL House being evacuated early this afternoon after a bomb hoax was made to the sporting body.
The threat came a day after the league replaced its outdoor headquarters logo with a large “YES” sign to back marriage equality.
The sign was changed back this morning and AFL CEO doesn’t know whether the bomb threat was related or not to the actions of the sporting body yesterday.
And also tonight, Elton John has posted a message on his Instagram supporting marriage equality in Australia.
“I love Australia. I love its spirit, it’s lack of pretence, it’s passion,” John wrote. I hope it can embrace the honesty and courage that seeks gay marriage as an expression not of desire but of love.
“I hope it can embrace the honesty and courage that seeks gay marriage as an expression not of desire but of love.”
Last Updated on Sep 21, 2017
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