"Banjo-playing redneck homophobes"

There is a story on the NZPA wire this morning about last night's Marriage Act amendment attempt, which was shot down in flames by a Parliament that is clearly more liberal than the 2002-2005 version. 73 votes against, 47 in favour, with one missing vote. I am pleased all Labour MPs barring one voted against the legislation.

The story quotes my favourite National MP:

National MP Katherine Rich said it would add nothing to the Marriage Act.

``The law, as it stands, is that marriage is between a man and a woman. The law is already settled on this matter,'' she said.

``This bill is a cheap political stunt. It will be used as a platform for every banjo-playing redneck homophobe who wants to stand up and make comments about the way other people lead their lives.''

I applaud the fact there are now a body of Nat MPs in New Zealand who are prepared to vote for human rights not against them. 36 National MPs voted for the legislation, but 12, including Ms Rich, voted against.

I hope that Katherine Rich will be campaigning to change the minds of the 36 "banjo-playing redneck homophobes" in her caucus, so they don't vote to attack others next time legislation like this is before the House.

Comments

[stephen]

This pinko liberal owns and plays a lovely Deering 5-string, so you just take that back.

[Sam]

With the current Nat leadership she is more likely to be thrown out than have success in a campaign to change minds - conservatism is a very powerful mindset. Her best option is to sit tight until the (hopefully soon to come) leadership change, and to then help rebuild a more forward looking and inclusive right wing opposition - something NZ is in dire need of.

[Craig Ranapia]

With all due respect, I cringed when I heard that cheap shot in what was otherwise a reasoned, thoughtful contribution to the debate.

I don't see anything "forward-looking" or "inclusive" in anyone who thinks it's better to pull out the self-righteous abuse of people you don't agree with, rather than rebut their case.

[Craig Ranapia]

Sorry, I left out the last sentence: "If you find the likes of Density Church and the Maxim Institution so objectionable, it might be wise to avoid adopting their abusive rhetoric and air of self-righteousness."

[anon]

who was the labour mp who voted for it? (yes i know i could look this up myself but i'm being lazy...)

[Tony Milne]

Taito Phillip Field.

[Oliver]

Tsk tsk Craig, you better follow the party line or else you'll never get that electorate you've always wanted!

[Craig Ranapia]

Ewww... I'm a Groucho Marxist, and certainly wouldn't trust anyone who'd be nuts enough to nominate me for Parliament. Marathon bouts of arse-kissing really aren't my bag. (I have a two drink, one dinner minimum before my standards start to drop. And I don't do group scenes.)

OTOH, I'm sure Quentin Tarantino would do a lovely campaign ad. :)

[tim barclay]

I just love the left they bogg like mad on a stupid political stunt like this but say nothing at all on the dark clouds coming over the economy. And they have no answers except tax and spend and regulate. They have no idea on how to create wealth except to confiscate it.

[Jordan]

Tim, why do you waste bandwidth and the time of people who read the comments on this blog with statements that mean nothing?

[roman eos]

Justin,

So you are hoping that some if not all of the 36 BPRH will say this is a "bit rich" ?

regards

[Jim D]

"I hope that Katherine Rich will be campaigning to change the minds of the 36 "banjo-playing redneck homophobes" in her caucus, so they don't vote to attack others next time legislation like this is before the House."

Who are you? The thought police?

[Jordan]

I'm someone with a point of view. If that makes me the thought police, then mea culpa.

[roman eos]

Jordan,

Oops, sorry, I say wrong 'J'-for-justin above

regardez

[dave]

Jordan , youve done it again. You are entitled to your point of view, and entitled to express it. But when people dont agree with your position why do you approve of name calling

Its a bit rich ( so to speak)
Grow up, Jordan.

[Amanda]

Good to see the Bill shot down - I was wondering what would happen. The marriage clarification happened in the Courts some time ago with Quilter, and the Bill would change nothing, except giving leeway in the Bill of Rights Act for people to discriminate on the basis of protecting the institution of marriage.

And good on Katherine Rich and Co, good to see some Nats taking a stand. Maybe there's hope for some of them yet!

[David Farrar]

Katherine did not say everyone for the bill is a banjo playing redneck. She respects that people can agree to disagree.

She said that it will appeal to some banjo playing rednecks, and she is of course right.