Can the NZ Herald find any opinion writer opposed to same-sex marriage or gay parenting that isn't connected to the Maxim Institute? Alexis Stuart, described as a 'Christchurch writer', is today published in the Herald criticising an earlier piece by Emma Davies, programme leader (families and children) at the Auckland University of Technology's Institute of Public Policy, and David Semp, registered Auckland psychologist, which defended gay parenting. Most of Stuart's earlier writing has been confined to the ironically-titled “Evidence”, Maxim's quarterly magazine. She has also been known to write anti-feminist rant letters to the Otago Daily Times, which led that newspaper to describe her as "confused". Stuart is the latest in the long line of religious right contributors to the Herald whose true connections have been concealed when they write on "moral issues". The Herald's regular columnist, Sandra Paterson, is described as a "freelance journalist" although her other job as an evangelist at the Tauranga Worship Centre has never been disclosed. Her recent column which attempted to deny the reality of same-sex couples being refused hospital visitation rights echoed Maxim's position. Other Herald columnists on gay-related subjects earlier this year have included Samuel Gregg of the Acton Institute (a Maxim contributor), Neil Whitehead (whose research Maxim uses), and Maxim staff Scott McMurray and Amanda McGrail.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 28th December 2004 - 12:00pm