At times in the past I’ve made comments about women that were degrading and harmful. This is my apology.
To the women whom I have been disrespectful of in the past due to my words, I am deeply and unreservedly sorry. I admit that at times I said things I am ashamed of and regret. Every day I work to repair the harm I perpetrated. There is no excuse for any violence against women.
The Drum: On 28 March 2017, during a panel discussion on same-sex marriage activism questioning the connections between companies supporting same-sex marriage and organizations opposing it, the program included graphics of three ‘tweets’ from Michael Barnett. These questioned the decision by companies and a university, to employ people who hold anti-LGBTI views. The Drum incorrectly drew a connection between the marriage equality debate, and Mr Barnett’s reference to corporate commitments to Pride and Diversity – a national employer support program which campaigns for LGBTI inclusion.