David Leyonhjelm says Sarah Hanson-Young comments are 'just abuse' but not sexist
By Hamish MacdonaldSenator David Leyonhjelm has said he tells people they're "bastards" or "bitches" irrespective of gender, denying he targets women.
The Liberal Democrats politician has been roundly condemned for sexual taunts aimed at Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young.
He has previously used offensive language towards Tony Abbott's former chief of staff Peta Credlin and Network Ten journalist Angela Bishop.
But Senator Leyonhjelm denied it was "sexist abuse".
"It's just abuse," he told RN Breakfast.
"It is a normal Australian behaviour.
"I am a normal Australian, I am elected by normal Australians, normal Australians call people bitches, bastards, shut up, various things of that nature.
"I don't discriminate between men and women."
Senator Leyonhjelm used a parliamentary debate on women's safety last week to tell Senator Hanson-Young to "stop shagging men".
Today he claimed Senator Hanson-Young hated men.
"She is a misandrist, she is a sexist," he told RN Breakfast's Hamish Macdonald.
Yesterday, Senator Hanson-Young praised Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for his condemnation of Senator Leyonhjelm's comments.
This morning, Senator Leyonhjelm accused the Prime Minister of ignoring discrimination against men.
"He should also call out misandry and for not doing so, he's a doormat."
Not the only one engaging in 'unparliamentary' behaviour
Pressure has been mounting on Senator Leyonhjelm to apologise for his comments, with Senator Hanson-Young saying he is "unfit to be in the Parliament," and calling on him to resign.
But there is no sign today he is backing down from his position.
"Whatever abuse I level at people is a fraction of what I receive," he said.
"[Sarah Hanson-Young] is probably the worst offender in the Parliament for using obnoxious language."
When asked about his offensive language towards other women, including Ms Credlin and Ms Bishop, he denied his remarks were out of line.
"If I think they should shut up, I'll tell them to shut up.
"I don't discriminate between men and women, I will tell them both equally if I think they're wrong."