Bob Katter's anti-gay marriage ad slammed as "homophobic"

By By David Blight | 13 March 2012
 
Bob Katter's Australian Party Anti-Gay Marriage television ad.

A TV spot released by Bob Katter's Australian Party opposing same sex marriage has been lambasted as “homophobic”, with high profile figures such as James Packer opposing it.

The ad, which attacks Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman for previously supporting gay marriage, launched yesterday. The campaign is an attempt by Katter at nabbing voters.

According to a report in The Australian, media and mining magnate James Packer has spoken against the spot, saying he does not suport the advertisement or its attack on Campbell Newman. Packer has previously donated $250,000 to Katter's party.

Meanwhile, Twitter has exploded with negative comments. Bob Katter's half-brother Carl Katter, who is himself homosexual, has been particularly vocal.

In his tweets, he repeatedly refers to his brother and the ad as “homophobic”. In one tweet, he writes, “but he is homophobic, just love the irony”.

Despite the outburst, Bob Katter has stood behind the advertisement. He told Channel 10 that while his brother may be upset by the ad, more people would be hurt by gay marriage.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the photographer who took one of the photos featured in the ad has said the image was used without his knowledge. The image shows two men hugging, and French photographer Franck Camhi has said he was not aware it was being used in an anti-gay marriage ad.

Last year, AdShel attracted widespread criticism over a decision to remove a campaign by the Queensland Association of Healthy Communities promoting safe sex within the gay community. The outdoor operator was responding to an outburst by the Australian Christian Lobby, but quickly reversed its decision to pull the ads, following a public outcry.

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