In a moving and at times hilarious speech, Georgina Beyer last evening farewelled her Parliamentary colleagues after seven years of "the best time of my life". Amongst comments which drew laughter from the gathered MPs was her reference to previous occasions when she has announced her resignation then changed her mind. Beyer quipped that there is a pool among her colleagues as to whether she might change her mind this time. In an earthier moment: "While I have relished the opportunity at being a member in this house, I am glad I don't possess one." Beyer spoke of her pride at being the first transsexual in the world to serve in a Parliament but says she is even more proud that now she is not the only one. She ended her valedictory speech with the observation that her time in the house has been "the best time of my life." A full transcript of Beyer's valedictory speech should be posted on GayNZ.com later today, by special arrangement with Hansard. Ref: TVNZ, NewstalkZB, GayNZ.com (j)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 15th February 2007 - 12:00pm