Nikki Kaye and John Key at the Big Gay Out One of National’s most gay-supportive MPs has gone into bat for her leader over his increasingly infamous “gay red top” quip. Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye says a few people have contacted her personally over Prime Minister John Key’s description of a radio host’s gay jacket as “gay,” which he later explained he meant as “weird”. “For the record I believe John is one of the most progressive political leaders in the world at the moment with his staunch stance on marriage equality and LGBT issues,” Kaye says. She adds she has been with Key every year since she was elected at the Big Gay Out, “and I am really proud of his advocacy on these issues and how much he cares about the community”. Kaye says Key has supported her personally on initiatives like the Auckland Pride Festival, which she got off the ground, and is now happening in February. She says one of the things she likes about Key is that he is so open and shows his personality. “With regard to the comment he has personally apologised for anyone offended by the comment. I know who he is and I know what he will continue to do for the LGBT community.” Kaye also says that sitting through the New Zealand Music Awards, she listened to Homebrew as Labour politicians “effectively endorsed calling John a variety of offensive things. It saddens me that there doesn't appear to be equity in the way certain politicians are held to account on what they say.” Meanwhile Key has refused to comment further on the "gay red top" comment today, or Sir Ian McKellen's criticism, saying he dealt with the issue yesterday.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 6th November 2012 - 6:02pm