Australian city mayor called to resign for demeaning women

An outspoken Australian city mayor has apologized amidst calls to resign after he was caught wearing a controversial piece of clothing which critics have labeled demeaning to women.

Darryn Lyons, who has been Mayor of Geelong since 2013, was seen at a social function wearing a smutty T-shirt, which featured a picture of a naked woman, leading allegations of sexism.

Jan Farrell, a councilor of the city located 75 kilometers south-west of Melbourne, who has been verbal opponent of Lyons previously said she was "beyond offended" at his "ongoing disrespect for women".

"This is what passes for leadership at Geelong. Such an abysmal role model for young men," she told News Corp on Monday.

Trades Hall secretary, Tim Gooden questioned the mayor's leadership and judgment and said Lyons "can no longer be the mayor of a city in the 21st century".

Lyons was forced to issue a public apology following furore.

"I had no idea of the slogan on yesterday's T-shirt bought years ago as a great photograph on a T-shirt I certainly didn't wish to demean women!" Lyons said in twitter post that was later deleted.

Darren Lyons past claim to fame was as a celebrity photographer in the United Kingdom, before returning home to Australia and entering the social scene.