Jailed rapist refuses to quit Parliament

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Sydney, Australia | AFP

A politician has refused to stand down despite being jailed for rape, sparking an urgent court battle to expel the sex offender from a state parliament.

Australia's New South Wales state politician, Gareth Ward, was last month found guilty of sexually abusing two young men, aged 18 and 24, between 2013 and 2015.

The 44-year-old right-leaning politician has refused to stand down from state parliament, despite sitting in prison while awaiting sentencing for his crimes.

State Premier Chris Minns said Ward had "no shame", pledging to move a motion that would expel him from parliament.

But Ward has so far stymied these efforts, obtaining a temporary injunction late on Monday that prevented the Labour government from removing him.

Leader of the House Ron Hoenig said the government would seek an urgent hearing this week to have the injunction lifted.

"The issue is, as you would appreciate, of considerable significance," Hoenig told reporters on Tuesday.

"The house needs to be able to make its judgement to protect itself. And we will be seeking a review of the judge's decision."

Ward said he planned to appeal his convictions and should remain in parliament until this appeal is heard.