Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has lashed out at those who criticised former Essendon CEO Andrew Thorburn for his religious beliefs and has called for him to be reappointed.
Mr Thorburn sensationally stepped down from the role as Essendon CEO just one day after it was announced following significant criticism levelled against his links to a christian church.
The former Essendon CEO is chairman of the controversial church group City on a Hill which is strongly anti-abortion and argues homosexuality is a sin.
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Mr Thorburn released a statement on Tuesday evening in which he said he did not agree with all things preached by his church and that he believed his business history had proved that.
“Let me be clear – I love all people, and have always promoted and lived an inclusive, diverse, respectful and supportive workplace – where people are welcomed regardless of their culture, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation,” he said.
“I do sometimes disagree with things I hear in church – but I believe strongly in the right of people to say them, especially when taken in context.”
Mr Dutton said the attacks were discriminatory and suggested no Australian’s religious beliefs should have an impact on their employability.
“We don’t tolerate discrimination against anybody on that basis,” Mr Dutton told reporters on Wednesday.
“I’m very deeply concerned, about the development in relation to this Essendon situation and the dismissal, frankly, should be reversed and Mr Thorburn should be reappointed to his position.”
The Opposition Leader directly condemned the views held by City on a Hill but said the resignation was a result of an “egregious attack” on his religious beliefs.
“The views that have been expressed by a pastor at this church in relation to gay people, or to the issue of abortion – they’re an abomination and I condemn those points that have been made by that particular pastor,” he said.
“But the comments and the actions of Andrew Thorburn are completely distanced from that and the fact that an individual can be sacked from a position because of his religious belief doesn’t have any place in our country.”
Mr Thorburn has previously held the position of chief executive of NAB and Mr Dutton said his professional record – which included sponsoring LGBTQI+ events – proved there was “never an element or suggestion” he discriminated against anybody.
He was also reportedly unaware of the views expressed in the 2013 sermon which raised the controversial topics in question and clarified that he did not hold those views personally.
Essendon released a club statement following Mr Thorburn’s resignation saying once the 2013 sermon from a pastor at the City on a Hill became apparent immediate action was taken.
“The Board made clear that, despite these not being views that Andrew Thorburn has expressed personally and that were also made prior to him taking up his role as Chairman, he couldn’t continue to serve in his dual roles at the Essendon Football Club and as Chairman of City on the Hill,” the statement from Chairman David Barham read.
“I want to stress that neither the board nor Andrew was aware of the comments from the 2013 sermon until we read about them this morning.
“I also want to stress that this is not about vilifying anyone for their personal religious beliefs, but about a clear conflict of interest with an organisation whose views do not align at all with our values as a safe, inclusive, diverse and welcoming club.”
Source: Sky News
