Former PM Tony Abbott Head-Butted by Yes Campaigner

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.

I’m so excited to be back in Australia for a series of shows. Many years ago, I chose Australia for my wedding to a wonderful woman for whom I have so much love and admiration. I wanted more than anything to be a good husband, but I denied who I really was, which caused my wife sadness, and caused me huge guilt and regret. To be worthy of someone’s love, you have to be brave enough and clear eyed enough to be honest with yourself and your partner. Almost 24 years ago, I met the person with whom I could be fully myself. When we married in 2014, it felt like that fact was accepted by the world. For David and I, being able to openly love and commit to one another, and for that to be recognised and celebrated is what makes life truly worth living. That acceptance and support makes us want to be as kind, responsible and productive members of society, as well as the best parents, that we can be. I love Australia. I love its spirit, it’s lack of pretence, it’s passion. I hope it can embrace the honesty and courage that seeks gay marriage as an expression not of desire but of love. #loveislove #marriageequality @davidfurnish

A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Sep 21, 2017 at 1:53am PDT

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