Miriam Pierard says the party would “love to hear your opinions”. While it’s yet to announce formal policy, the Internet Party is offering every indication it’s lgbti-friendly – and would love feedback and ideas from the community. “We absolutely support anything that is promoting human rights,” Auckland Central candidate Miriam Pierard told the AUSA Pride Debate. “That promotes tolerance and that is in the spirit of the internet.” The party has transparent processes called a ‘Policy Incubator’ and a ‘Policy Forum’ where suggestions can be posted online, and receive direct feedback from members. Policies are then discussed, reviewed and refined. Pierard says the Internet Party’s gender policy is currently being developed, however she outlined three clear proposals on trans and intersex issues. These are for gender identity options other than M/F to be on all official forms, and to ensure government agencies, such as Statistics NZ, embrace this, and humane health treatment for people across the gender spectrum. “Essentially giving the right to decide to the patient, rather than the medical practitioners. And also criminalising non-consented, by individuals, genital normalisation surgery that often happens at a very young age.” Pierard said almost all members have received the proposals favourably. “And we would love to hear your opinions.” She says the Internet Party also wants to ensure the Bill of Rights is equitable, and then raise it to superior legislative status to ensure human rights are protected. “If you have any ideas, please come to us,” she added. Pierard also believes in cross-party work on such issues, saying “we’re in the 21st Century and it’s about time that all of us just got over ourselves and started working together on issues of equality.” She says the Internet Party’s relationship with Mana shows how two seemingly different groups can get together and work together on common issues. Other points: Marriage equality isn’t the be all and end all, underlying issues of stigma in heteronormative and heterosexist world remain. Internet Party wants a more diverse, non-binary and “emotionally sophisticated” system of sex education. Thinks there should be a non-legislative solution to cyber-bullying. Doesn't think internet filters in schools should block sites like GayNZ.com. Likely to adopt Gay Men's Sexual Health research group priorities. Says government needs to make sure queer community is not off the radar, and suggests a particular advocacy role. We'll have more on some of the Internet Party's candidates soon.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 30th August 2014 - 9:29am