Rosslyn Noonan Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan, who has recently been vociferous in support of gay rights, is to step down after ten years in the role. Justice Minister Simon Power announced today she will be replaced by former New Zealand Rugby Union boss David Henderson, who is a commercial and sports lawyer and President/Managing Director of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific region. Noonan is completing her second five year term at the Commission and will finish up at the end of August. She spoke out earlier this year when the bulb business of Northland lesbian couple Juliet Leigh and Lindsay Curnow was burned down in a homophobic arson attack. The Chief Commissioner said New Zealand still had work to do on gay rights and stated: "No one in New Zealand should have to hide or live in fear of being attacked for who they are. It is particularly disturbing when someone is targeted for their sexual orientation." Power has thanked Noonan for her two terms as Chief Commissioner. "Ms Noonan led the mainstreaming of human rights in the public service and has strongly advocated for the inclusion of human rights standards in major legislation," he says. "She strengthened the integrity and reputation of the commission and human rights protections both in New Zealand and internationally, and I thank her very much for her work."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 6th July 2011 - 12:51pm