TV pundit and Strictly star slams university grants for LGBT students (VIDEO)
TV pundit Sonia Kruger sparked controversy earlier today, after she slated university grants for LGBT students.
The presenter argued that the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) scholarship was “reverse discrimination”, the Strictly Ballroom star claimed asking students about their sexuality was “odd”.
The $7,000 grant is available to all Australian citizens or permanent residents in Year 10 for three years – including the first year of university.
“To ask a student if they identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, you’re asking someone about their sexual preferences,” Kruger claimed when quizzed on the subject by Australia’s Today Extra host Karl Stefanovic.
“And I find that that’s a really odd thing to do, in any kind of capacity, whether it’s a job or a scholarship,” she continued.
“I think a scholarship should be given on merit.”
However, co-panellist David Campbell tackled Kruger’s views, highlighting that the scholarship could massively benefit transgender youngsters or those rejected by their families because of the sexuality.
Despite his best efforts to change her mind, Kruger replied: “I get that, but I still struggle having to identify that sexuality of the person.”
This is not the first time either the show or Kruger have been hit with such a controversy.
Just last week, host Stefanovic was forced to apologise to viewers for using the word “tranny” on the show.
Stefanovic had made the comment during a segment on the Rio Olympics after the Channel 9 crew were victims of an attempted mugging by two trans women.
He quipped about “a murder of transvestite muggers”, before suggesting the cameraman had “fought off tougher trannies” in the past.
On Friday’s edition of the show, the TV host made a lengthy apology after discovering his comments had caused offence.
Meanwhile, Kruger caused outrage last month after suggesting that Muslim immigration into Australia should be completely stopped in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.
Watch her latest comments below:
