Labor MP Anne Aly has revealed she received 19 death threats in the past week after a Liberal-National MP told Parliament she and Anthony Albanese should be “shamed and stoned in the square”.
Ms Aly, the member for Cowan and Australia’s first female Muslim MP, described Angie Bell’s remark as racist and misogynistic in a video posted on Instagram.
Ms Bell, the member for Moncrieff, made the comment during question time on Tuesday while discussing the Australian Taxation Office’s decision to ban businesses from making payments by credit card.
“This past week alone I’ve had 19 death threats on my social media, and in the past I’ve had death threats that are couched in that exact same language,” Ms Aly said.
She said the phrase “stone her” was not merely inappropriate for a parliamentarian advocating violence against another elected representative, but also conflicted with Australian values.
“We are a country that proudly stands against violence against women and against regimes that usual brutal methods like stoning against women,” Ms Aly said.
She added: “It is racist. It is misogynistic. And it is something that should never have been said.”
Ms Bell was asked to withdraw the comment during question time and did so.
Liberal frontbencher Tim Wilson said Ms Bell had been the first to stand and withdraw her remarks, adding that language in politics “does matter and that is why she did the right thing and withdrew it”.
He also praised Ms Bell’s work representing the Gold Coast and small businesses, saying she was doing “a wonderful job” both on the front bench and as a local member.
