Rape Culture in New Zealand Perpetuated From the Top

Rape Culture in New Zealand Perpetuated From the Top

MASSIVE (Men Against Sexual Violence) applaud and support the courage of the female Members of Parliament who attempted to speak out against the trivialization of rape in parliament.

“We encourage those who walked out in support of them and are deeply disappointed that the Speaker of the House would not allow them to speak. When the Prime Minister uses sweeping accusations in the House of Parliament of 'backing rapists' and being ‘on the side of sex offenders’ for political point scoring, it shows how deeply rooted the normalisation of sexual violence is in our country,” says spokesperson Mike Shaw, “We all know the Prime Minister’s record on who he has backed, but the issue of rape is more important than playing party politics.”

The Speaker also declined a request two days ago for an urgent debate in Parliament on a case involving sexually degrading acts against girls. School boys who got girls drunk, dangled their genitalia in their faces, took photos and posted them on face book; only to get a slap on the hand and a warning from the police.

“There is something not right in the halls of power. We need to get a way stronger message to the young men of our nation. Don’t sexually degrade other boys and girls. Don’t be silent. Speak out for those who don’t have a voice and don’t trivialise rape and sexual violence. It’s not a joke,” says Mike Shaw.

“For too long victims of sexual abuse have been told to sit down and be quiet. The Speaker may be able to turn off the mics of those brave female MPs, but he will not be able to silence the growing voices of male and female survivors of sexual abuse who dare to speak out and those who stand with them. MASSIVE stands with them and asks men everywhere to do the same!”

ENDS

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