Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has faced backlash for using a homophobic slur while criticising Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s response to recent Chinese military exercises near Australia.
Dutton described Albanese’s approach as “the weakest, most limp-wrist response you could see from a leader” during a foreign policy event in Sydney. The phrase “limp wrist” has long been used as a derogatory term associated with male homosexuality, implying effeminacy or weakness.
Following public criticism, Dutton’s office issued a statement expressing regret over the comment:
“It was a phrase that shouldn’t have been used. No offence was intended from Mr Dutton.”
Backlash Over Dutton’s Language
Dutton’s remark came in response to a question about China’s live-fire drills in Australian waters last month. While stating the exercises were a “show of force,” he used the moment to attack Albanese’s leadership.
“I think what was being tested was our response time, how we would engage, what we would say,” Dutton said. “I think the Prime Minister, frankly, failed every one of those tests.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong declined to comment directly on the term but noted:
“People can draw their own conclusions about the term he used. What I would say is this is a bloke who opposed marriage equality, so it’s an unsurprising use of language from him.”
Independent MP Allegra Spender called the comments “completely inappropriate” on X (formerly Twitter), adding:
“By all means, criticise the government’s response, but don’t do so in a way that plays into offensive stereotypes about gay men.”
A Liberal Party member, speaking anonymously to SBS, also condemned the language, stating that it perpetuated an “offensive stereotype.”
The History of ‘Limp Wrist’ as a Slur
The phrase “limp wrist” has historically been used to mock men who do not conform to traditional masculinity, often implying that being gay equates to weakness. It has been a common schoolyard insult, reinforcing harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals.
Dutton’s use of the term in a political attack suggests Albanese is “less than” or weak—an association LGBTQ+ advocates argue reinforces outdated and prejudicial ideas about masculinity and leadership.
Despite the apology from his office, the remark has reignited conversations about the language used by political leaders and its impact on marginalised communities.
