Thu 23 Jul 2009 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Justice Minister Simon Power says he's committed to scrapping the partial defence of provocation, but two Labour party MPs are disappointed that their attempt to advance a bill which would remove the controversial defence has today been blocked. Trying to take action: Charles Chauvel MP "The partial defence of provocation in homicide cases will be the subject of reform," Power told law students at Victoria University today. "I want to say right now I do not believe this defence has any place on the statute books." But Labour's Justice Spokesperson Lianne Dalziel today sought leave to swiftly place her and Charles Chauvel's bill to remove provocation onto Parliament's order paper for debate, a move which was blocked by National's Senior Whip Chris Tremain. "I am very disappointed, especially in the wake of the verdict in the Weatherston trial, that National has prevented quick action being taken to remove this offensive element of our law," Lianne Dalziel said. Labour's Associate Spokesperson Charles Chauvel, who drafted the bill, says he's mystified by National's action. "The bill blocked by National today is closely based on the 2007 work of the Law Commission. National's actions call into question Simon Power's commitment to much-needed reform," Chauvel said. Reacting to the Prime Minister's statement this morning confirming the government will remove the provocation defence, Chauvel told GayNZ.com "we've always said we'd be delighted if the government picks up on this issue. Let's hope something can be done quickly. "The whole community needs to get behind this - or it could be years before something is done," the gay MP adds.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Thursday, 23rd July 2009 - 3:43pm