Australian Senator Fatima Payman recently broke ranks with her party on the issue of Palestine, and was given the option to fall back in line, or quit.
There was a bill pitching that Australia should vote to recognise a Palestinian State. The Labor Party told their people to vote no. Fatima ignored this, voted yes, and then was told by the prime minister that she had two choices: toe the party line, or quit the party.
Today, she quit the Labor party. Here is part of her resignation speech:
It [the Labor Party] is a party I have proudly served.
The ongoing genocide in Gaza is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions.
It is a crisis that pierces the heart and soul, calling us to action with a sense of urgency and moral clarity. We have all seen the bloodied images of young children losing limbs, being amputated without anaesthetic, and starving as Israel continues its onslaught, live-streamed across the world.
As a representative of the diverse and vibrant communities of Western Australia, I am compelled to be their true voice. To be their true voice in this chamber, especially when the cries for justice and humanity echo so loudly.
Unlike my colleagues, I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of injustice. My family did not flee from a war-torn country to come here as refugees for me to remain silent when I see atrocities inflicted on innocent people.
Witnessing our government’s indifference to the greatest injustice of our times makes me question the direction the party is taking. I am torn, deeply torn.
On one hand, I have the immense support of the rank-and-file members, unionists, the lifelong party volunteers, who are calling on me to hang in there and to make change happen internally.
On the other hand, I am pressured to conform to Caucus solidarity and toe the party line.
I see no middle-ground, and my conscience leaves me no choice.
Our actions must align with our principles. When history looks back, it must see that we stood on the right side of humanity, even when it was difficult.
Sadly, I do not believe my principles align with those of the leadership of the Labor Party. With a heavy heart but a clear conscience, I announce my resignation from the Australian Labor Party. I have informed the Prime Minister that, effective immediately, I will sit on the crossbench to represent Western Australia.