Sun 8 Feb 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Labour leader Andrew Little has been greeted by cheers and whistles as he took to the Big Gay Out stage to praise the NZ AIDS Foundation and call for support for the Human Rights Commission. Labour's BGO contingent including (l-r) Carmel Sepuloni, Louisa Wall, Andrew Little, David Cunliff, Grant Robertson. "We have led the world when it comes to pushing back the tide of prejudice and discrimination and intolerance, and one of the most important organisations we have to do that is our Human Rights Commission and they've been fantastic fighters," he said. "And no matter what anyone says we have a long ways to go... our young people are still struggling as they explore their identity, their sexuality. The government has taken money off the Human Rights Commission, they want to reduce the number of commissioners. If we want a Human Rights Commission that continues to push back the tide of prejudice and discrimination it needs to be well supported. "When you get the opportunity tell your MP and this government that we want a Human Rights Commission that's going to work, that's going to be good for your community, for all of us so we can have a healthy, vibrant, diverse and tolerant society. We deserve nothing less." Of the NZ AIDS Foundation Little said: "We've always been big supporters of the cause behind the AIDS Foundation and the work they do which is about giving pride and confidence to all folks... because the work they do right throughout the gay community is about making sure that we respect diversity, are tolerant of each other... because that's good for individuals, communities and the nation" Little also took a moment to introduce to the crowd his twin sister, Val Little, who is a member of the Wellington-based Drag Kings troupe.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 8th February 2015 - 4:16pm