Gays Thank Sunshine Coast Residents for Support

14th March 2008

The overwhelming response to the comments of Sunshine Coast Mayoral hopeful Joe Natoli have been welcomed by the local lesbian and gay community.

“Mr Natoli seems to have tried to use the gay and lesbian community as a political football in his bid to be Mayor” said Paul Martin, General Manager of the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (Queensland’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organisation). “Judging by the huge reaction against his comments by local residents, his attempt has backfired.”

In a debate on ABC radio yesterday Mr Natoli accused Mayoral rival Bob Abbot of advocating for Noosa to become the gay capital of Australia. In further comments today Mr Natoli said he was simply trying to protect the family image of the Sunshine Coast.

“Gays and lesbians are no threat to families” said Mark Morein, QAHC President. “In fact we are family: brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. We are part of the Sunshine Coast family and we will not be made to feel unwelcome in our own community.”

“On behalf of QAHC and the local LGBT community I’d like to thank the residents of the Sunshine Coast for their overwhelming support on this issue. Gay and lesbian residents and holiday-makers alike can feel welcome on the Sunshine Coast.”