NZ First deputy leader Peter Brown asked yesterday in Parliament whether it was acceptable to have a homosexual in charge of censorship in New Zealand, and whether Justice Minister Phil Goff should consider replacing him in order to “better reflect New Zealand society”. The tirade continued outside Parliament, with Brown saying that homosexuals have a different morality, and that unspecified objectionable material had been passed in a way that "someone who shared heterosexual old-time values would not have allowed”. In a recent interview with GayNZ.com, chief censor Bill Hastings said that being gay in his job attracted its fair share of battles, but even he was shocked by the viciousness of the comments. "I guess you could say that I am grateful that his cards are on the table and that we now know what has been driving his criticism of me and the classification office. I am insulted that he thinks that I censor with my sexuality rather than my intellect,” said Hastings in the Dominion Post. "If he were to do a statistical analysis of the classifications issued by this office, including the number of times the board of review has overturned us, then I think that he would find that the only things that have influenced us have been to properly apply the law." Those who wish to contact NZ First over Brown's comments can phone the NZ First office on (04) 471 9292, fax (04) 472 7751, or email info@nzfirst.org.nz.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 16th October 2003 - 12:00pm