Students at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) walked out of their own graduation in protest following a controversial speech given by former union boss Joe de Bruyn.

De Bruyn was being presented with an honorary degree for his contribution to workers’ rights and was a keynote speaker at the ceremony when his speech veered into anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQIA+, and anti-IVF remarks.

“Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God at the origin of humanity in the Garden of Eden, as the book of Genesis in the Bible tells us,” he said.

Students expressed their shock and felt as though it hijacked their special day. Charlie Panteli, a student present at the graduation, told ABC radio that he estimates ‘95 percent’ of people in the auditorium left.

“I think the people sticking around were filming it because they were all so shocked that they thought the news should get out,” he said.

De Bruyn had a long career from 1978 to 2014 as national secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Union. His opposition to same-sex marriage was well known and said he opposed abortion for many decades.

“Today, over 80,000 unborn children are killed by abortion in Australia each year,” he said. “Worldwide, the estimated number is 42 million each year.”

A spokesperson for the ACU said that the university regrets any offense caused to staff or students and that it promoted a commitment to a safe, inclusive environment.

“Mr de Bruyn’s remarks at the ceremony were delivered in a personal capacity,” they said.

“While his views may not be shared by some of our staff and students, as a university we encourage the respectful exchange of ideas that represent the wide spectrum of our diverse community.”

Photo: Australian Catholic University-Charlotte Street view by Shkuru Afshar is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.