Initial response tonight from glbt political activists to tonight's change of government is sombre, with concerns expressed for the future of initiatives to address equal rights and liberties for glbt people. Tony Simpson, the chair of the Capital's glbt lobby group Rainbow Wellington, and who has links to the Progressive party, says he's pleased that Labour's Grant Robertson has won Wellington Central and that Kevin Hague is in Parliament for the Greens. "They are two really good and strong gay candidates, so there are two pluses tonight," he says. "But we’re sorry that National are taking power, since they are not notable for their support of gay and lesbian people." His concerns are echoed by Civil Unions campaigner Michael Wallmansberger, who has links to the Labour party. "I don't have confidence that we won't go backward now. Some of the National candidates have expressed very unfortunate attitudes to glbt people and issues." Wallmansberger says he is "proud of the things we have achieved with the Labour government, the past nine years have seen a great leap forward." He is doubtful about how proposed political initiatives such as same sex adoption rights, transgender issues, and 'gay panic' defense will progress under the changed government. "I don't think they will be a priority issue, they are likely to take a back seat." Wallmansberger says the incoming government parties have signaled major policy shifts, "and seeing those through will take up much of their time and attention." However, Wallmansberger sees some hope in the people within the National people whom he believes do support glbt initiatives. He urges glbt people to become active within National and its strongest coalition partner ACT, "for the sake of the rights, well-being and dignity of glbt New Zealanders." Rainbow Wellington says it will continue to lobby the National-led Government, "and hope that our voice will be heard."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Saturday, 8th November 2008 - 11:49pm