Content warning: the below discusses sensitive topics related to LGBTQIA+ issues and mental health, including suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals. It also mentions harmful views regarding pedophilia and its association with the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health or require support, please reach out to BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline WA on 13 11 14.

As a proud member of the queer community and a fervent supporter of Albany Pride, I am deeply disturbed by the comments made by Thomas Brough. His statements suggesting that "minor-attracted persons," (pedophiles) are associated with the LGBTQIA+ community[1] are not only absurd, but act to vilify an entire segment of the population, and are damaging, hurtful, and potentially dangerous to vulnerable individuals.

It is therefore appalling to find that Dr Brough has been preselected by the Liberal Party of Western Australia to run for the seat of Albany[2].  It is my belief that a candidate is intended to represent a segment of the community to the WA Legislative Assembly; the idea that Dr Brough is representative of the views of Liberal voters within Albany makes a disturbing statement about this segment of the Albany community, and the Liberal party as a whole.

Estimates suggest that up to 250,000 West Australians identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community.[3]  Within our community, young people aged 16-27 are five times more likely to have attempted suicide in their lifetime, up to fifteen times more likely for transgender people. [4]  This represents a vulnerable population, and comments such as those made by Dr Brough cause exclusion and vilification within the community, potentially endangering lives.  This will only be further deepened as we approach the 2025 State General Election and Dr Brough's stated beliefs about the LGBTQIA+ community become entrenched as part of his platform.

We call on Elizabeth (Libby) Mettam, leader of the WA State Liberal party, to revoke Thomas Brough's preselection for the seat of Albany. We also urge her to formally condemn his comments, which she has already described as "bizarre" and "not appropriate"[1]. A failure to do so is an implicit approval of Dr Brough's misguided and dangerous position on the LGBTQIA+ community.

Please sign this petition if you agree that the Liberal Party of Western Australia should revoke Dr Brough's preselection and formally condemn his statements.

[1] ABC Great Southern, "Albany councillor Thomas Brough slammed for homophobic comments during week of pride"; Feb 2024

[2] ABC News Great Southern, "Albany councillor Dr Thomas Brough, who linked LGBTQIA+ community with paedophiles, gains Liberal preselection"; April 2024

[3] Western Australian Department of Health. Western
Australian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex
(LGBTI) Health Strategy 2019–2024. Perth: Health
Networks, Western Australian Department of Health; 2019.

[4] LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, SNAPSHOT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION STATISTICS FOR LGBTIQ+ PEOPLE; October 2021.