‘Outrageous and disgusting’: Greens MP condemns comparison of Queensland climate protests to US capitol riots

Greens MP Michael Berkman was referred to the parliamentary ethics committee over comments in support of climate activists facing charges over a 2022 protest. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

Comparisons between 14 largely retired environmental protesters unfurling banners in Queensland’s parliament and the January 6 US Capitol riots are “odious”, one of the protesters has said.

On Thursday, Queensland’s parliamentary ethics committee handed down its findings, which cleared Greens MP Michael Berkman of inciting or encouraging the Extinction Rebellion protest in November 2022, but described his conduct as “disgraceful”.