The co-founder of the Australian Greens, Drew Hutton, has been expelled from the party after a dispute over comments deemed harmful to transgender people. The decision, upheld by state branch delegates on Sunday, ends Hutton's life membership and has sparked debate about free speech within the party.
The Queensland Greens' Constitution and Arbitration Committee found that Hutton had breached the party's code of ethics by providing a platform for transphobic comments on Facebook. Hutton refused to delete the posts, citing free speech, leading to a two-year standoff and eventual termination of his membership.
Queensland Greens convener Gemmia Burden stated that the decision reaffirms the party's position that trans rights are non-negotiable. Australian Greens leader Larissa Waters backed the outcome, saying it reflects good governance and that no one is above the rules.
Hutton, who founded the party in the 1990s, said the Greens had 'lost their way' and abandoned their mission for an ecologically sustainable world. He is considering legal and political options, supported by former leaders Bob Brown and Christine Milne, who opposed his expulsion.
The dispute began in 2022 when Hutton criticised the party's moves to expel members over transphobic comments. Despite not personally demeaning trans women, the party said his actions provided a platform for harmful debate, leading to his expulsion after he continued to share critical opinions.
