Damien O'Connor Damien O'Connor has apologised to the Labour caucus for his choice of words, in claiming the party's list is dominated by a "gaggle of gays and self-serving unionists", but it's unclear if he apologised for the sentiment. What actually went on at this morning's meeting is staying behind closed doors, other than the fact O'Connor apologised for the wording of his criticism. Under questioning from media Goff would not say if other MPs were upset with O'Connor or whether any agreed, saying airing such issues was an internal caucus matter. When asked whether the apology had been accepted, Goff stated the meeting was private. While some GayNZ.com readers are offended by the seemingly homophobic insinuations in O'Connor's "gaggle of gays" remark, many seem to be taking a lighthearted approach, sparking a lively debate about whether "gaggle" is the correct term for a group of gay people. "He's an idiot. Everyone knows the correct collective noun is "a vogue of gays," one reader states. "What a goose," is the succint reponse from another. Meanwhile Auckland gay men's venue Urge Bar has changed the name of this Saturday's event to "Buddies yes, gaggle Nah!!" It invites patrons to "leave the gaggle on the Coast" and "meet new buddies".
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 12th April 2011 - 1:00pm