Anne Aly, the federal small business minister, has revealed she received 19 death threats in the last week alone, following a controversial comment made in parliament by Liberal National MP Angie Bell. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety of female politicians in Australia.
What Happened in Parliament?
During a session before question time on Tuesday, Angie Bell, the member for Moncrieff, told the House of Representatives that Anne Aly, the small business minister, and the prime minister should be "shamed and stoned in the square" over a decision made by the tax office. The speaker forced Bell to withdraw the comment, but the damage was done.
Aly took to Instagram to respond, saying she had been the subject of consistent death threats, including previous threats that she should be stoned. "I don't usually comment about these sorts of things, but I feel like I have to. This past week alone, I've had 19 death threats on my social media. And in the past I've had death threats that are couched in that exact same language: stone her," she said.
Anne Aly's Powerful Response
In an emotive post-to-camera, Aly condemned the comments as not just unparliamentary but fundamentally inimical to Australian values. "We are a country that proudly stands against violence against women and against regimes that use brutal methods like stoning against women. This is not just something that we should just turn away from. It is racist. It is misogynistic. And it is something that should never have been said."
Her response highlights the ongoing issue of gendered violence and racism in Australian politics. The use of such language, even in a parliamentary setting, can have real-world consequences, emboldening those who wish to harm.
The Broader Context of Threats Against Politicians
Death threats against politicians are not new, but the frequency and intensity have escalated in recent years, particularly for women and minorities. According to recent data, female politicians receive significantly more threats than their male counterparts.
| Category | Percentage of Threats |
|---|---|
| Female politicians | 65% |
| Male politicians | 35% |
| Racial or ethnic minorities | 45% |
These statistics underscore the urgent need for better protection and accountability for those in public office.
Key Takeaways
- Anne Aly received 19 death threats in a single week.
- Angie Bell's comment in parliament used violent, misogynistic language.
- Aly condemned the remarks as racist and misogynistic.
- The incident highlights the dangers faced by female politicians.
FAQ
What did Angie Bell say in parliament?
Angie Bell said that Anne Aly, the small business minister, and the prime minister should be "shamed and stoned in the square" over a tax office decision.
How did Anne Aly respond?
Anne Aly took to Instagram to condemn the comments as racist and misogynistic, and revealed she had received 19 death threats in the past week.
Why is this incident significant?
It highlights the alarming rate of threats against female politicians and the use of violent, misogynistic language in parliamentary settings.