ACT Leader Richard Prebble says he's received disturbing reports that Winston Peters is gay bashing, particularly when addressing elderly audiences.

"It has been reported to ACT that Winston Peters, in his tour of the country's rest homes, has been launching vitriolic attacks on gay people and suggesting Jenny Shipley and Helen Clark 'spend their time debating whether gays should be able to adopt children'.

"Mr Peters is saying to his audiences of largely retired people that Jenny Shipley and Helen Clark's credibility has disappeared because they are prepared to discuss the issue of gay adoptions.

"I have to say I've never heard either leader discussing the issue, although both acknowledge adoption is a serious issue," Mr Prebble said.

"In fact Parliament has been quietly getting on with looking at our laws to remove discrimination against gay people, with almost no public controversy.

"I don't believe there's any public benefit in Winston Peters now turning his scapegoat approach to gays," Mr Prebble said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media