Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

National supports equality in defence forces

Dr Jackie Blue MP
National Party Women's Affairs Spokeswoman

07 December 2006

National supports equality in defence forces

National Party Women's Affairs spokeswoman Jackie Blue is supporting today's calls from the Human Rights Commission to delete the old fashioned rule in the Human Rights Act which bans women from combat roles in our armed services.

"It's time this part of the Act was updated. "I think most New Zealanders would agree that there should be equal treatment of those who bravely serve our country. Gender doesn't matter, so long as they do the job well and they do it safely."

In September, National supported the Human Rights (Women in Armed Forces) Amendment Bill at its first reading.

"There's no reason for the ban on combat roles for women to continue, especially when we have armed services that are struggling with dangerous shortages of personnel."

Dr Blue says Labour's steadfast refusal to acknowledge Nancy Wake for her work in the resistance is another example of our poor track record in recognising the role of women during conflict.

"My colleague Judith Collins has been pursuing this issue for some time now. The RSA has given Nancy Wake their top honour, yet Labour continues to resist formal recognition of her heroism."

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.