Peter Madden's brother returns for Mardi Gras
John Madden, brother of Christian Democrat Peter Madden, is joining the Christian social and support group Freedom2b(e), which will once again be taking part in the Sydney Mardi Gras parade.
Madden is celebrating Mardi Gras with Freedom2b(e) following remarks from his brother last year which outraged many in the LGBTI community.
John Madden said he was grateful to Freedom2b(e) for the opportunity to march on Mardi Gras night and share directly in the celebration of growing freedom and equality.
“It wasn’t that long ago that this community had to hide ‘who they are’ to avoid unfair treatment and persecution.”
Madden, who first marched with Freedom2b(e) last year, also spoke out against his brother’s comments which he believes were shortsighted.
“I think my brother’s comments are ignorant, unfair and misguided and I think that he should apologise to the many people that he has slighted,” he said.
“I will be marching in the Mardi Gras on Saturday night in support and out of respect for people’s right to choose and be who they are without prejudice and without judgment. This is what this country is all about.”
Peter Madden, a former sex and porn addict turned Christian Democrat candidate for Sydney, commented last year insisting there were sinister motives in allowing same-sex marriage.
“Make no mistakes, homosexual marriage is not about human rights. It’s about social engineering and undermining true family values,” he said last November.
“The vast majority of homosexual activists, writers and professors loudly proclaim that homosexual marriage should not be monogamous. Why? Because they say sexual freedom and multiple partners are intrinsic to homosexual culture and nature.”
Freedom2b(e) is now in its sixth consecutive Mardi Gras parade and will be launching their celebrations with a barbecue on March 2.
For more information about Freedom2b(e), visit http://www.freedom2b.org, or contact Shane Cathcart on 0409 243 009 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Photo: Members of Freedom2b(e) with founder Anthony Venn-Brown and former High Court judge Michael Kirby
- Tags: Christianity, Float, Freedom2b[e], John Madden, Peter Madden, Religion, Sexuality, Sydney Mardi Gras
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Alex Dunkin
"Tall, dark and handsome", and a borderline coffee addict. Grew up in country South Australia prior to travelling and living overseas and then returning to the state to undertake university degrees in journalism and international studies with a focus on the Italian language. Constantly writing new material, both journalistic and creative, with a couple of recent awards under his belt including the youth prize in the New Mardi Gras literature prize.
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