Julia Gillard: DJ Suspended Over Gay Questions

11 years ago | Posted in: Latest Politics News | 640 Views

A veteran Australian radio host has been suspended for asking Prime Minister Julia Gillard on air whether her partner is gay.

Speaking on Howard Sattler’s drive-time show, Ms Gillard was asked about the recentoffensive menu saga, her lack of religious belief, and same-sex marriage.

After the discussion on Perth’s 6PR, Sattler asked Ms Gillard if he could raise rumours about her partner Tim Mathieson, who has worked as a hairdresser.

“Tim’s gay?” Sattler asked.

“Well, that’s absurd,” Ms Gillard replied.

Sattler pressed the issue further, saying: “But you hear it. He must be gay – he’s a hairdresser … It’s not me saying it – it’s what people say.”

“I don’t think in life one can actually look at a whole profession full of different human beings and say, gee, we know something about every one of those human beings. It’s absurd isn’t it?” Ms Gillard replied.

Unwilling to drop his line of questioning, Sattler asked: “You can confirm that he’s not?”

“Oh, Howard, don’t be ridiculous. Of course not,” Ms Gillard said.

Sattler later apologised on air for the exchange.

A statement released by Martin Boylen, programme manager at 6PR, said Sattler had “put a number of questions to Prime Minister Julia Gillard regarding the sexuality of her partner, Tim Mathieson.”

“These questions sought to establish if there was a basis in fact to rumours circulating about the couple’s relationship,” Mr Boylen added.

“The PM answered Mr Sattler’s questions with dignity and some patience.

“Fairfax Radio management has reviewed this interview and considers that the questions posed by Mr Sattler were disrespectful and irrelevant to the political debate.”

Mr Sattler has been suspended from broadcasting on 6PR pending an internal inquiry.

source:  skynews

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