Convicted rapist fighting to remain in parliament in Australia
Summary
An Australian politician, Gareth Ward, who was found guilty of rape, is trying to keep his position in the NSW state parliament from jail. Ward was convicted of sexually assaulting two men but plans to appeal his conviction. Despite calls to resign, he has not left his parliament seat, prompting legal actions to remove him.Key Facts
- Gareth Ward, an NSW state parliament member, was found guilty of rape involving two men.
- He is currently in jail and is set to be sentenced next month.
- Ward wants to stay in parliament and plans to appeal his conviction.
- NSW leaders, including Premier Chris Minns, have urged him to resign.
- Ward was part of the Liberal Party but left when allegations arose in 2021.
- A court injunction is being sought to prevent his expulsion from parliament.
- If expelled, a by-election would occur in Kiama, his electoral district.
- Ward resigned from his ministerial role but was re-elected as a member of parliament in 2023.
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