Dr Joanna Howe, a law professor at Adelaide University and prominent anti-abortion campaigner, and her husband James have reported a surge in threats directed not only at themselves but also at their political allies following their outspoken criticism of school-based consent education. The controversy, which began last month after the couple voiced their opposition on their podcast, has since extended beyond public debate, prompting legal action over alleged defamation.

One Nation MP for MacKillop, Jason Virgo, became a target after defending the Howes on social media. In late September, about a week after his public statement in support of the couple, Mr Virgo’s electorate office received a package containing an explicit adult video disc accompanied by a letter claiming to be from Dr Howe and her husband, with references to their children. The MP described the incident as a troubling attempt to impersonate the couple and noted the distressing mention of their family in the misleading correspondence.

“It is important for people to understand that in these situations, it isn’t the member of parliament who bears the brunt, it is apolitical public servants who put up with this nonsense,” Mr Virgo said. He urged the public to avoid targeting staff who serve the community, emphasizing that his defense was rooted in the principle of free expression rather than an endorsement of the Howes’ specific views.

Dr Howe expressed shock and dismay over the nature of the threats, particularly those involving her children. She stated that she anticipated criticism of her anti-abortion stance but had assumed her family would remain off-limits. “The thought of them coming after my children was just another level of attack that I hadn’t even contemplated,” she said, recounting one letter that contained direct threats to her children’s safety.

Beyond Mr Virgo, a political candidate in New South Wales also reported receiving a letter at their home urging a severance of connections with the Howes. Additionally, the business address for Australia Life, a consultancy affiliated with the couple, was targeted with an envelope containing a dead bird last week.

Dr Howe characterized the recent harassment as having escalated from debate to personal intimidation and incitement of violence. She pointed to inflammatory online messages encouraging harm against her, referencing a violent attack on a U.S. activist. “These threats have happened because we fought back, and I think they’re furious that we’re not allowing ourselves to be cancelled,” she said.

James Howe indicated that the intensity of threats increased as the couple began actively responding and fundraising to defend their reputation, having raised $175,000 amid defamatory claims against them. While he acknowledged their own assertiveness in confronting critics, he drew a line at personal attacks, contrasting their approach with what he described as more severe tactics employed against them.

The Howes’ case highlights the challenges faced by public figures engaged in contentious social debates, where criticism can sometimes cross into harassment and intimidation, with repercussions extending beyond the individuals directly involved.