Two MPs supportive of equal rights for LGBT New Zealanders – Labour's Georgina Beyer and the Greens' Metiria Turei – have hit back at talkback radio host John Tamihere, for his month-long on-air vilification of homosexuals, and for his criticism of Turei's private member's bill that seeks to equalise adoption rights for same-sex couples. Tamihere, an ex-Labour MP often thought to harbour aspirations of political leadership, spoke on-air of his opposition to Turei's Adoption Equity Amendment Bill. “Why would they get a black girl, who happens to be heterosexual, to pursue this from the Green Party?” Tamihere asked, rhetorically. He went on to explain to callers that because Turei is straight, “she's not a good target for anybody else to have a go at,” and to disagree with her you would risk being labelled a “gay basher”, a “racist” or “antifeminist”. Turei hit back at Tamihere's comments. “John is convinced that there is an international queer conspiracy that is intent on world domination. He should be so lucky!” “He believes that I have been manipulated into progressing this bill on behalf of that conspiracy.” Turei says it has been long-standing Green Party policy to extend “all legal rights to the queer community, including those related to parenting.” Beyer, when told of Tamihere labelling Turei a “black girl”, said: “Now you're seeing the real John Tamihere. This is a man who attended the Destiny Church and was given a resounding ovation. This is a man, who, quite frankly is deeply prejudiced against our community.” Tamihere suggested more research needed to be done to into “how many babies are put to death by gay couples” in order to make an informed choice on the bill. “This comment is absolutely disgusting and reveals the depths of his homophobia,” says Turei. Tamihere is “playing to the worst kind of violence and prejudice. There is nowhere to go from here.” Tamihere also expressed his concern about the “impacts” on a child who “[walks] into a lounge and there's dad and dad having a pash up – I don't like it.” Turei notes that “all the credible research” shows that the sexuality or gender of parents has no negative impact on children. “I certainly hope that children of gay or lesbian parents do not hear his comments because they attack the child's sense of security and belonging in the community. It is hateful. John should be pitied for his ignorance.” Beyer says Tamihere's prejudice “flies in the face of his want for the respectability of Maori. So what have we got here? Needless fear – unwarranted, I might add.” Turei's bill is currently in the Parliamentary ballot. Should it be drawn, most political parties would likely allow members to vote on the bill as a conscious issue, rather than along party lines. Currently, the Adoption Act allows only married couples to adopt children, precluding unmarried singles or same-sex couples joined in a civil union. Ref: GayNZ.com (d)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 9th August 2006 - 12:00pm