Tasmanian Senate candidate apologises after linking Orlando massacre with 'dangers' of gay marriage
A Family First senate candidate has apologised after linking the Orlando shooting with the 'danger' of same-sex marriage.
His comments on Twitter came after a gunman stormed a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida Sunday morning, killing at least 50 people and injuring 53 more.
Peter Madden, who's running for a Tasmanian senate spot, responded to a person who had criticised his election campaign trailer when he Tweeted: "Though Orlando is abhorrent, it doesn't change the real & present dangers of the gay marriage agenda to Aus children".
Since the post on Monday evening, Mr Madden has been asked to explain how gay marriage is a threat to Australian children, but has yet to address the question directly.
"Which are what exactly Mr Opportunist?" Tweeted one person.
"I am neither a homophobe, nor a hater. I'm simply a conservative concerned that education changes overseas (post gay marriage) will happen here," Mr Madden later Tweeted.
The pollie, whose campaign is anti-marriage equality and anti-Safe Schools, said he's been the target of hate and vitriol even though he said in a subsequent Tweet: "I have no hate toward gay people but love".
Mr Madden told local ABC radio he had apologised and would this week attend a vigil in Hobart to remember the victims of the massacre.
"I absolutely condemn the massacre in the gay club, this is absolutely wrong and I'm praying for victims," he said on Tuesday.
"I don't want to offend people, this is a sensitive time."
Mr Madden's website promotes a "family values" platform and says "gay marriage epitomises the worldwide social Marxist agenda to undermine Conservative values".
He has spoken out against the LGBTI community in previous years. In 2011 Mr Madden said those participating in the gay and lesbian mardi gras were “sexually immoral”.
In 2013 he said the issue of gay marriage was not negotiable, and also took aim at Tasmania's push for gay tourism, saying attracting gay visitors was a novelty and would not provide adequate economic benefits.
News break – June 14
