National MP Brian Connell has turned his anti-gay sights onto the Queer Nation programme, criticizing the funding NZ On Air has allocated since 1996 for the long-running show. Connell says the public is not getting "value for money" for what he describes as a low-rating show, but did not single out any other minority programmes for scrutiny, despite the fact many of them receive more government funding than Queer Nation. Queer Nation executive producer John Givins had little to say about Connell's assertions. "NZ On Air are to be congratulated for supporting Queer Nation, obtaining high quality programmes at a very low cost, fulfilling its role with professionalism, efficiency and understanding," he told GayNZ.com. Connell was one of the most outspoken anti-gay voices during the first reading debates on the Civil Union and Relationships Bills. "The gay movement is seeking acceptance that its lifestyle is a satisfactory alternative to traditional heterosexual marriage. It is, in my view, the subject of a highly organised campaign, with its protagonists deeply embedded in the Labour Party caucus," he said during the Relationships Bill debate. "They do not seek understanding."
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 6th October 2004 - 12:00pm