Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard has gained new insights into gay and lesbian parenting following his visit to the Big Gay Out this weekend, and hopes everyone can move on from a controversial letter he signed last year which suggested gay and lesbian parents were more likely to abuse and murder their children. The Mayor said it was important for him to attend the festival in order to connect with the community, and to “endorse” the event. “I think its a marvellous occasion, it sends a very positive message out to all and everyone, not just the gay community but the general community,” he told GayNZ.com. In a walkabout of the grounds, the Mayor visited the Rainbow Parents group. “You're never too old to learn,” he said, following the visit. “You do get an overview about what's happening. I've seen one or two people with young children, and you can certainly see the love and affection that's there, no doubt about that.” Lesbian mum Josephine spoke to the Mayor when he stopped by. She says she was offended “absolutely” by Hubbard's letter, which was also signed by Air New Zealand CEO Ralph Norris, author Alan Duff, and Auckland University's Pro-Vice Chancellor (Maori) Michael Brown. “I can give you the names of heaps of kids that are dead, and they don't have gay parents,” she says. “But it seems like he [the Mayor] has mended his ways, and was very polite, and I'm very happy to see him here.”
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Monday, 14th February 2005 - 12:00pm