Wellington business organisation GAP is calling for a correction and an apology following false allegations that a cocktail function it organised for Sir Ian McKellen at Premier House two weeks ago was taxpayer funded. Radio Pacific host Mark Bennett last Tuesday made the allegations during his programme, during which he sneered at the function, describing it as "obviously just a little bit of gay bonding paid for by the New Zealand taxpayer". Unsatisfied with statements from the Prime Minister's office and MP Tim Barnett stating that the function was self-financing, Bennett continued to repeat his allegations last Friday in another rant, during which he compared gays and lesbians to terrorists and petty criminals. GAP spokeswoman Vivienne Scott is currently awaiting a response from Radio Pacific programme director Chris Gregory. GAP's treasurer has stated categorically that all expenses relating to the event were paid for by the organisation.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 11th December 2003 - 12:00pm