Neil Mitchell: Andrew Thorburn’s exit has ‘extraordinary’ implications

Press PLAY below to hear why Neil Mitchell thinks this “changes the world”

Neil Mitchell says Andrew Thorburn was targeted by a “mob” and his resignation a day after being named Essendon’s chief executive sets a “really, really dangerous” precedent.

Mr Thorburn sensationally quit the role just a day after the Bombers made his appointment public, following backlash about his role as chair of City on a Hill, a church organisation which has likened abortion to concentration camps and says homosexual behaviour is wrong.

“The implications for this are extraordinary,” Neil Mitchell said.

“The mob have set a precedent and it is a really, really dangerous one for this country. Andrew Thorburn had no choice but to resign.

“This changes the world — your religion, your beliefs, are now fair game.

“I don’t agree that abortion and homosexuality are a sin, but jeez, I don’t have to believe it. They’re not telling me to believe it and they’re entitled to believe what they like as long as they don’t impose it on me.”

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Mitchell’s thoughts in full

Wendy Francis, National Director of Politics at the Australian Christian Lobby, told 3AW “every single Australian” should be concerned by what had happened at Essendon.

“What we are seeing here is bigotry in the extreme, to be honest,” she said.

She said she was “disgusted” by Daniel Andrews’ commentary on the matter, too.

Press PLAY below to hear Wendy Francis on 3AW

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Image (Thorburn): Mark Graham/Bloomberg via Getty Images