Jan Logie Green MP Jan Logie has given a passionate speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Ecuador, as the New Zealand delegation continues its powerful stand for global GLBTI rights. “I know many of you are wondering why New Zealand is pushing this issue of sexual orientation and gender identity,” Logie said. “New Zealand is not pushing this to offend anyone. “We are pushing it because we believe in a new model of development where everyone is included.” Logie said New Zealand is pushing the issue because it opposes all discrimination and hate based crimes, individual or state sanctioned. “We are pushing it because we were the first country in the world where women fought for and won the vote and that vision of liberation is ingrained. “We are pushing it because the vision of plurality has been enshrined in our law through the protection of indigenous sovereignty and we can see the true possibility of that. “We are pushing it because we do not see culture in a separate box from sexuality and we do not see religion in another box either.” Logie added she was pushing it because to her knowledge she was the only of person in the room who has their very humanity questioned, by entire countries. “You tell me quietly that I must understand your culture, your religion. I do and I will fight hard for your rights to your culture and your religion but I will never accept that your culture or religion has the right to make people like me in your country, and they do exist, chose between being and being given basic rights.” You can see a video of Jan Logie's speech below:
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 25th March 2013 - 10:31am