An anonymous letter distributed to mailboxes throughout Tim Barnett's Christchurch Central electorate accused the openly gay MP of "warped policies" and "social engineering" and a "hidden agenda". The letter accused Tim Barnett of having plans to lower the legal age of sexual consent to 12, as part of his “hidden agenda”. The unnamed author cites the prostitution law reform, civil union legislation and the lowering of the drinking age as having been part of Barnett's apparent plan. Barnett has held the Christchurch Central seat since 1996. He says he is not surprised by the latest smear campaign, as over the years he has faced "vilification" from his opponents, including the "religious Right". He says he does not support lowering the legal age of consent to 12, and that he has never made any public statement on the matter. It is not known how many copies of the letter have been distributed, and by whom, although the author claims the letters have "gone out to thousands of voters".
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 3rd September 2005 - 12:00pm