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Former PM Rudd shares photo of godson 'beaten over same-sex marriage'

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has shared a photo of godson sporting a bloody nose along with a claim he was beaten for standing up for marriage equality.

Mr Rudd posted the photo to Twitter on Wednesday showing his teenage godson Sean Foster with a cut above his nose and blood running down his face.

“So many warnings to Turnbull about what the postal vote could unleash,” the former PM tweeted.

“Now my godson Sean has been punched standing up for marriage equality.”

Facebook group Bulimba 4 Marriage Equality made a public appeal for help and information about the beating.

The post offers further detail about Sean’s beating, stating he was punched in the head while trying to stop a man from taking down a rainbow flag near a bus stop on Oxford Street in Brisbane’s east.

According to the group’s post, Sean was attacked in Bulimba, in the city’s eastern suburbs on Tuesday.

The post claims he confronted a man pulling down flags who yelled homophobic slur at him.

It's claimed Sean (right) was attacked on Oxford St, Bulimba (left). Source: Google Maps/ Facebook
It's claimed Sean (right) was attacked on Oxford St, Bulimba (left). Source: Google Maps/ Facebook

“You know what I hate? F******,” the post claims the man said to Sean.

Sean replied: “That’s okay, I don’t like you”, before the man punched him in the head.

A Queensland Police spokesman confirmed a complaint had been made.

“A 19-year-old male confronted a man taking down signs at Oxford St, Bulimba at about 9am on Tuesday,” he said.

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“The investigation is ongoing but no one has been arrested or charged.”

'Homophobia doesn't exist in Australia'

The same-sex marriage postal forms were sent out to millions of Australians on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Australian Christian Lobby managing director Lyle Shelton, a leading “No” campaigner, told the National Press Club Wednesday that homophobia doesn’t exist “much” in Australia.

"I do know what homophobia is, but I don't think it exists much in our country," he said.

The managing director of the ACL says homophobia isn't a problem in Australia. Source: AAP
The managing director of the ACL says homophobia isn't a problem in Australia. Source: AAP

"Maybe there's some people who have that, but I think the vast majority of people that are engaged in this debate from our side who are concerned don't bear any ill will or animosity towards their fellow Australians because of their sexuality, I certainly don't."

Anyone with information can contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.