Taking to Twitter, the former Australian of the Year labelled Scott Morrison’s comment as a “dangerous” message to send.
“Show sympathy for acts of violence using love as the excuse, sure that’s a great message from a prime minister,” Tame said.
“Perpetrators of paedophilia, sexual assault, domestic violence and other forms of abuse—who are already empowered—see this and are encouraged.
“Survivors—who are disempowered—see it and are discouraged.
“Messages like this are dangerous. They reinforce a stark imbalance of power.”
Earlier in the day, Morrison had appeared on Brisbane radio. He made the comment in reply to being asked if he had ever considered crossing the floor in parliament to slap another minister.
“I’m also fiercely defensive of anyone who would say anything about Jenny too, so I can understand it,” he laughed.
“That’s not how you roll.”
Chris Rock was slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars when he made jokes about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith Smith, and her battle with alopecia.
