Mass Walkout at ACU Graduation Over Anti-Abortion Speech

Students and staff left the ceremony in protest of Joe de Bruyn's controversial remarks on abortion and same-sex marriage.

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.