David Leyonhjelm refuses to admit telling Sarah Hanson-Young to stop shagging men was inappropriate

Senator David Leyonhjelm has refused to apologise for telling Greens MP Sarah Hanson-Young to ‘stop shagging men’ – despite her pending legal action.

The Independent Queensland politician made the controversial statement during a Senate debate in Parliament on Thursday.

Senator Hanson-Young confirmed reports she had sought legal advice and her lawyers ‘are writing letters’. 

During a fiery interview with Virginia Trioli on ABC’s 7.30 report on Monday night, Senator Leyonhjelm declined to apologise for his comments.

Senator David Leyonhjelm (left) has refused to apologise for telling Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young (right) to ‘stop shagging men’ – despite her pending legal action

When asked Virginia Trioli (pictured) asked if he would like to withdraw and apologise for the comments in light of Hanson-Young’s potential legal action, he responded ‘No. Bring it on’

‘No. Bring it on,’ Mr Leyonhjelm said when asked if he would like to reconsider his refusal to apologise in light of Hanson-Young’s potential legal action.

Asked why not, he replied that the point he was trying to make with his controversial comment was ‘valid’. 

‘I am on very solid ground, very legitimate. I am opposed to misandry as I am opposed to misogyny. I am entitled to call out double standards,’ he said. 

In the heated exchange, Trioli accused Mr Leyonhjelm of being ‘bitchy’.

‘Have you paused to reflect on why you have such a reflex to get quite personal and frankly bitchy when women take you on. Have you ever stopped and wondered about that?’

The Independent Queensland politician made the controversial statement during a Senate debate in Parliament on Thursday

Mr Leyonhjelm went on to say he had a right to respond when ‘he’s abused’.

‘Let me put it this way – when I am abused, accused of something, such as being a sexual predator, along with all the other men in Australia….I’m perfectly entitled to respond,’ he said. 

Earlier, Senator Hanson-Young and Senator Leyonhjelm attacked one another on Channel 10’s The  Project, where he denied making comments about her private life.

‘I am not apologising for anything. I stand by it. I am opposed to double standards,’ Senator Leyonhjelm told The Project.

‘I made no comment whatsoever on her private life, other than that there were two standards being applied.’

He accused presenters on both television programs of calling him a liar.  

Earlier, Hanson-Young (pictured) and Leyonhjelm attacked one another on Channel 10’s The Project, where he denied making comments about her private life.

Ms Hanson-Young told The Project she vows to stand up for herself.

‘I’ve decided as a matter of principle, I am not going to take this,’ she said. 

‘I am not going to be intimidated, I am not going to be bullied and I’m in a very principled and privileged position. 

‘There are many women out there, whether they are on the factory floor or they are stewards on an airline or they work in the hospitality industry, many women cop sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace and don’t have the ability. I’m doing this for them.’ 

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