Scott Morrison supports Katherine Deves as she doubles down on calling trans teens ‘surgically mutilated’
- PM stands by Katherine Deves after doubling down on trans comments
- Ms Deves, candidate for Warringah, says it is “correct” to say teenagers are “mutilated”.
- Mr Morrison is pleased he has candidates who “stand up for what they believe”.
Scott Morrison is standing with controversial Liberal candidate Katherine Deves after she refused to apologize for her transgender remarks and argued more women were needed in politics.
Ms Deves has doubled down on her description of trans teenagers as “surgically mutilated”.
When asked Monday if she would apologize, the Liberal hopeful insisted the label was the “correct” medical terminology.
Katherine Deves doubled down on her description of trans teens as “surgically mutilated.”
Questioned by reporters at a press conference in Bennelong, the outskirts of Sydney, the Prime Minister defended his election for the nearby Warringah electorate, held by the independent Zali Steggall.
“Perhaps not everyone will agree with her point of view,” said Mr. Morrison.
‘I have been very determined to ensure that more women members represent the Liberal Party in this election and where I have had the opportunity to have a direct say in this I have ensured that this has been delivered and is consistent with my approach.’
Mr Morrison was “absolutely delighted” that he had recruited and appointed strong Liberal candidates who “would stand up for what they believe in”.
“That’s what it means to be a liberal,” he said.
Ms Deves apologized for how “people may have received her comments”.
Scott Morrison supported Ms Deves as he was grilled over her latest comments at a press conference
“The fact that it’s confrontational and ugly, and I certainly don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. But that’s the correct terminology,” she said.
During his campaign in Bennelong, Mr Morrison pledged a 50 percent federal contribution to building a $220 million bridge in Epping, aimed at solving a long-standing traffic bottleneck in the suburb.
Later, Prime Minister and Labor Secretary Stuart Robert attended the Western Sydney Jobs Fair in Reid’s seat, which was held by the Liberals by a 3.2 percent margin.
Mr. Morrison toured the stands, spoke to job seekers and took selfies.
A woman approached the prime minister and asked him how he would improve wages for women in non-traditional jobs.
Mr Morrison said the government is investing about $10 million to support digital and manufacturing jobs for women, among other things.
He noted that the gender pay gap has narrowed to 13.8 percent from 17.4 percent when the coalition won government in 2013.
“There is still a wage gap,” the woman replied.
Mr Morrison said there was “more to do”.
