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Liberal Candidate's Social Media Post Sparks Outcry

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. candidate-s-social-media-post-sparks-outcry.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 6:54 GMT by The West Australian
      Locale: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Perth, Western Australia - February 11th, 2026 - The lead-up to the March 2025 Western Australian State election is becoming increasingly fraught with controversy, as Liberal candidate Catherine Knowles finds herself at the center of a public outcry following an ill-advised social media post. The post, featuring the notoriously problematic 'Shoot, Shag, Marry' game, ignited swift and widespread condemnation for its perceived sexism and offensive nature.

Knowles, who is vying for a seat in [insert electorate name - further research needed], posted the image to her social media account earlier this week. The game traditionally presents users with a series of images - often depicting celebrities or fictional characters - and asks them to categorize each subject into one of three options: 'Shoot' (reject), 'Shag' (casual encounter), or 'Marry' (long-term partner). While often dismissed as harmless fun by some, the game is widely criticised by feminist groups and social commentators as inherently objectifying and disrespectful towards women, reducing individuals to mere sexual choices. The images used in Knowles' post haven't been publicly detailed, but the framing of the game itself proved enough to draw criticism.

The backlash was immediate. Social media users quickly shared screenshots of the post, expressing anger and disappointment. Critics argued that the game perpetuates harmful attitudes towards women and is particularly damaging coming from a candidate seeking public office. Concerns were raised about Knowles' judgement and her suitability to represent a diverse community.

Responding to the mounting pressure, Knowles swiftly issued an apology via her social media channels. She stated she was "deeply sorry" for the post, acknowledging the hurt and offence it had caused. "I have deleted the post and want to sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended by it. I am committed to representing everyone in the community respectfully," the statement read. However, the apology has done little to quell the ongoing debate, with some arguing it was a performative gesture rather than a genuine expression of remorse.

When pressed for comment during a press conference on Wednesday, Western Australian Assistant Minister for Emergency Services, Jodie Harrison, adopted a cautious approach. While acknowledging receipt of Knowles' apology, Harrison declined to offer further comment, stating simply, "I've seen the apology and acknowledge it." This measured response is likely a strategic move, avoiding the risk of escalating the controversy and potentially benefiting from the negative attention directed towards the Liberal candidate. Harrison's silence, while understandable from a political perspective, has also drawn criticism from some who believe a stronger stance against sexism in politics is necessary.

The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by political candidates in the digital age. Social media posts, once considered personal expressions, are now routinely dissected and analysed, with the potential to derail an election campaign. Candidates are expected to maintain a high level of decorum online and are held accountable for any content that is perceived as offensive or inappropriate. The 'Shoot, Shag, Marry' game has resurfaced repeatedly in political controversies over the years, prompting discussions about the normalization of objectification and the need for greater awareness of its harmful effects. [Link to article discussing the game's history and critique - research needed]

The implications of this incident extend beyond Knowles' individual campaign. It raises questions about the Liberal party's vetting process for candidates and their understanding of contemporary social issues. The party will need to work diligently to mitigate the damage and demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and respect. It also serves as a warning to all candidates: a moment of thoughtlessness online can have serious repercussions in the political arena.

The State election, already shaping up to be a closely contested battle, is now further complicated by this controversy. Analysts predict that the incident could sway voters, particularly women, and influence the outcome in key marginal seats. The focus will now shift to whether Knowles can genuinely demonstrate her commitment to respectful representation and regain the trust of the community. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this social media misstep proves to be a fatal blow to her electoral aspirations. [Link to polling data/election analysis - research needed]