Outspokenly-homophobic National Party MP Brian Connell plans to quit politics, saying he will not seek selection as a candidate for the next election. The MP for the South Island electorate of Rakai, who describes himself as a "straight-shooter", was one of the most outspoken opponents of the Civil Union Bill in 2004, which he said would "tear the social fabric of New Zealand." He announced at the time "it is in my view the subject of a highly organised campaign, with its protagonists deeply embedded in the Labour Party caucus. They don't seek understanding or fairness. What they are seeking are converts - it's the hard-sell of the homosexual lifestyle." He also declared in Parliament that "this politically correct nonsense that preaches that homosexual and lesbian relationships are the equal to marriage, and are a satisfactory environment in which to raise kids, is an absolute disgrace." Connell received hate mail branding him a homophobe in the days after the speech. Connell's lesbian sister-in-law also spoke up, saying the comments were a “disgrace, especially from someone who knows my children.” 2005's Marriage (Gender Clarification) Bill aroused further aggressive commentary from Connell. The Ashburton Courier reported that he referred to the bill as a cheap political stunt, and even accused the United Future party of hypocrisy, saying instead they should have brought down the government last year over the Civil Union Act. He has also voiced protestations against NZ On Air-funded LGBT television programme 'Queer Nation', calling it a "low-rating show" that was "not value for money," despite the fact that several lower-rating programmes received more money from NZ On Air. Connell was given the lowest possible ranking in caucus by National's former leader Don Brash in 2005 - reportedly as a result of his "outspokenness" - and was then suspended from the party's caucus last year after raising concerns about Brash's private life. Although Connell was frequently in hot water over his controversial public statements, he said this week he does not regret speaking out about what he believes in: "I have no regrets about my actions - I'm a big boy," he told the Christchurch Press. Ref: GayNZ.com, Christchurch Press (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Friday, 12th October 2007 - 12:35pm