Gay judge’s accuser ordered to quit

Australian Prime Minister John Howard today asked a senior adviser to resign after he used parliamentary privilege to accuse a gay judge of using government cars to pick up rent boys.

Senator Bill Heffernan’s attack on respected High Court Judge Michael Kirby sparked outrage in Parliament and the legal community. Judge Kirby, who is openly gay, accused Heffernan of homophobia.

The opposition Labour Party today said government car records cited by Heffernan to back up his claims had apparently been falsified, although it did not say who was responsible.

‘‘As a result of information that was given to me this afternoon I have asked Senator Bill Heffernan to resign as parliamentary secretary,’’ Howard said.

Heffernan said last week that he would not step down from his role as Cabinet adviser until his allegations against Kirby were dealt with by police.

New South Wales Police Minister Michael Costa said Heffernan had already made the claims to police in 1998. They were investigated and dismissed.