Mass Walkout at ACU Graduation Over Anti-Abortion Speech

Overview

• Joe de Bruyn, a former union leader, delivered a speech at the Australian Catholic University that included anti-abortion and anti-same-sex marriage views.
• His speech was part of a graduation ceremony where he was awarded an honorary degree, leading to a mass walkout by students and staff.
• De Bruyn's remarks compared abortion to the casualties of World War II and opposed IVF, sparking outrage among attendees.
• The university expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing its commitment to a respectful exchange of diverse ideas.
• Some students and attendees are calling for an apology from the university, criticizing the appropriateness of de Bruyn's speech for the occasion.