Flip-flopping National leader Don Brash came under heavy fire in Parliament yesterday for his reversed decision to support the Civil Union Bill. MP Lianne Dalziel pulled out a transcript of an interview Brash gave to Christian radio network Radio Rhema last week, in which he had suggested his support for the Bill was unwavering. "I'm not willing to prostitute my conscience for any vote," he said. "And if that means voting for or against something which is popular then so be it." Associate Justice Minister David Benson-Pope described Brash's decision as "regrettable". "Most New Zealanders have friends or indeed family who will directly benefit with the passing of the Civil Union Bill," he said in a statement. "Passage of this Civil Union Bill removes a form of discrimination, which has no place in the inclusive, tolerant and open-minded society that New Zealand should be." The Green Party is equally disappointed at Brash's support for a referendum on the issue. "It is not appropriate to invite New Zealanders to directly vote on whether or not a minority should be entitled to their human rights and equal treatment before the law," says Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 2nd December 2004 - 12:00pm