Tempers Flare In House (Press, 15 August 1985)

On 15 August 1985, an altercation erupted in the New Zealand Parliament during the debate on the Criminal Justice Bill (No. 2). The incident was sparked when Mr J. A. Banks, a National MP from Whangarei, directed the term "poofter" at Dr Cullen, the Senior Government Whip. This derogatory term incensed Dr Cullen, who retorted that he would be willing to confront Banks outside. In a show of solidarity, Government members rallied to support Dr Cullen, demanding that Banks retract his statement and apologise. Banks, however, maintained that he believed his use of the term was not offensive, stating rather that it was accurate. Tensions escalated when Dr Cullen warned Banks about the consequences of his remarks, expressing his frustration and threatening to "knock your block off unless you stand up" to apologise. The Senior Opposition Whip, Mr McKinnon, attempted to rationalise Banks' response as justified due to earlier provocations from Dr Cullen and another Labour MP, Mr T. C. Mallard, suggesting that the heated exchange had prompted Banks’ reaction, although he himself had not heard the disparaging comment. Meanwhile, the Leader of the House, Mr Palmer, commented that Banks' accusation significantly heightened the risk of disorder in the House. Eventually, Banks stood and withdrew his remark; however, moments later, Dr Cullen crossed to the Opposition's side of the chamber and confronted Banks, thrusting his fist in close proximity to Banks' face. This action led to accusations of assault from the Opposition and a flurry of procedural challenges regarding whether Dr Cullen should be required to apologise for his behaviour. Mr Palmer pointed out that Banks' failure to issue an apology contributed to the tensions and hurt feelings among Government members. Mallard further criticized Banks, indicating that he continued to make offensive gestures even after retracting his comment. Following a brief recess, Dr Cullen returned to the chamber and acknowledged the support from his colleagues while admitting that his own actions had exceeded acceptable behaviour during the proceedings. Subsequently, he withdrew and offered an apology for his conduct.

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