The Queensland Greens have agreed to pay co-founder Drew Hutton’s legal costs after his bid to reinstate his membership.
Hutton, who helped found the Greens in 1991, was expelled from the party last year in part by refusing to delete comments made by other people on its Facebook page the party deemed too sensitive.
At the time, Hutton blasted the party’s focus on identity politics, which he said risked the Greens being seen as “weird and unlikable” in more voters.
Hutton’s membership was reinstated in November, after the Greens accepted legal advice that he had been denied a natural right during disciplinary proceedings.
Hutton revealed on Monday his legal dispute with the Greens had been resolved, with the party agreeing to pay his costs.
As a result, Hutton’s lawyers submitted a notice to stop the case in the Supreme Court.
“Members of this extraordinary legal team have represented many people on environmental and social justice issues over the years,” Hutton said.
“My issue was freedom of speech and I was very grateful for the skill with which they put together a strong argument against my expulsion from the Greens.”
Comments have been sought from Greens federal parliamentary leader Larissa Waters, the Queensland senator who supported Hutton’s sacking.
Despite the party’s backlash, a Greens spokesperson defended its action against Hutton, while admitting procedural flaws.
“Removing the decision to suspend Mr Hutton’s membership has nothing to do with the substance of the original complaint against him, and the process involved,” the spokesman said.
“This decision does not change the Greens’ long-standing position on trans rights. Trans rights are human rights, and the party’s position on this issue has changed and will not change.
“Importantly, under Queensland Greens legislation, freedom of speech does not include the right to harm others.”
The spokesperson said all party members, including Hutton, are expected to adhere to the Greens constitution, constitution, bylaws and code of conduct.
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