Albany mayor Greg Stocks responds to Albany Pride’s calls to condemn councillor Thomas Brough for comments

Albany’s mayor has responded to calls for him to condemn “despicable” claims made by a local councillor that LGBTQIA+ include paedophiles. Cr Thomas Brough came under fire this week when he incorrectly stated that the plus in LGBTQIA+ includes paedophiles during a council meeting on Tuesday night, doubling down on his comments during an ABC Radio interview the following morning. His comments sparked outrage with public figures including member for Albany Rebecca Stephens and Australia’s first gay politician condemning the remarks. Mayor Greg Stocks released a brief statement on Wednesday distancing himself from Cr Brough’s comments but stopped short of outright denouncing the councillor, prompting calls from Albany Pride for stronger words. Mr Stocks released a statement on Saturday morning. “Remarks made by Cr Brough during the recent ordinary council meeting have caused damage, division, hurt and disappointment within our community,” he said. “These remarks were part of Cr Brough’s elected member report and express his personal opinions alone. These are not my views, and I am very disappointed with his comments. “I do not agree with Cr Brough’s comments, inferences, or the conclusions he drew in his speech. They are not representative of the city’s commitment to an inclusive community. “The council plays a role in encouraging inclusivity and creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and included. This is reflected by the city’s support for the Albany Pride Festival.” Albany Pride committee member Tiger Bird welcomed the mayor’s statement and called on Cr Brough to apologise. “He really should apologise and take back what he has said but I highly doubt that he will,” they said. “It’s quite evident that he’s got these beliefs and I think people who do have these beliefs don’t care about being right or wrong, they don’t believe in discussions and debates, they believe it because it suits them too.” “Remember that there are actual victims of child sex abuse and pedophilia who are still fighting for justice and throwing terms like this around and making these accusations so falsely just makes it harder for them to get the justice they deserve and to be believed and heard and it really is despicable for that reason as well.” Speaking to the Advertiser on Friday, Cr Brough unequivocally denied that he was homophobic and said institutionalised sexual discrimination was a “scourge” but declined to comment when he was asked if he would apologise or correct his earlier remarks. Cr Brough has been reached for comment.