National MP Judith Collins is upset over what she describes as drag queen Buckwheat's future role as motivational trainer for the Ministry of Social Development. After nine years' service as a health promoter at the NZ AIDS Foundation, Edward Cowley, AKA Buckwheat, will leave the role on the 5th of October, saying soon after he'll be expanding his work with Pacific communities with projects for the Ministry. After reading about Buckwheat's appointment, Collins voiced her concern on TV3 News, saying: "They've got 22 people in that Ministry that are paid over $200,000 a year. I would have thought they could have found some motivational leadership in there somewhere. "It's just another example of the sort of bloating in that particular ministry," she concluded. The Ministry of Social Development works with community groups to improve employment opportunities, provide income support, and care and protection of young people. A spokesperson for the Ministry accused TV3 News of "gay bashing" when the channel called them for a comment. A letter from the Ministry makes clear that "both his recognition in the community and his facilitation skills were the basis for hiring Mr Cowley and we were very pleased with his work. "Mr Cowley does not have an ongoing contract with us, however, given the right opportunity the Ministry would be happy to engage him again." Judith Collins has a history of anti-gay comments. She voted against the Civil Union Bill, and during 2003's Care of Children Act debate, she stated: "Accepting the diversity of New Zealand families does not mean advocacy for same-sex parenting situations. And it certainly does not mean a same-sex partner should have the same rights as a father." On Gender Identity Discrimination, she was of the opinion that "there is no need to make any person a protected species." Cowley is currently overseas and is unavailable for comment. Ref: TV3 News, GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 25th August 2007 - 5:46pm