30 January 2014

NZ’s Parliament sends support for gay rights at Sochi Olympics

The New Zealand Parliament has shown global leadership by unanimously passing a motion, moved by Green Party MP Jan Logie, expressing support to the gay community in Russia in the lead up to the Sochi Olympics.

“The Green Party is delighted that our Parliament has agreed to send a strong message in support of gay people today,” said Green Party rainbow spokesperson Jan Logie.

“It appears that this may have been the first such motion passed by a national Parliament.

“It makes me very proud that all parties in our Parliament backed this message of support, not only to our athletes heading to compete but also the gay and lesbian community in Russia who have been suffering hit after hit on their human rights.

“Our Government can play a role in promoting the rights of LGBTI people in Russia and send a message around the world that everyone deserves to live safe lives regardless of their sexual orientation.

“The winter Olympics in Sochi has given us the opportunity to tell the Russian Government that we are all watching and that their attacks on the human rights of gay and lesbian people will not be ignored or forgotten.”

Today is the last sitting day of the New Zealand Parliament before the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi on February 8.

Text of the motion:
I move that this House wish our athletes competing at the Winter Olympics in Sochi well, note Russia’s recent passing of anti-homosexual legislation, and ask the New Zealand Government to urge other governments and the winter Olympics Organising Committee to protect the rights of all people in Russia, regardless of their sexual orientation.

ENDS

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