Denis O’Rourke MP

Spokesperson for Justice

Constitutional Review
10 NOVEMBER 2015

Apology Over Accusations of Support For Rapists And Child Molesters Required

New Zealand First has questioned the Speaker’s ruling in Parliament that the Prime Minister did not need to apologise for saying the Labour Party supported rapists, child molesters and murderers.

“Under Standing Orders no reply to a question can contain references that are harmful to the reputation of the House or any member,” Spokesperson on Justice Denis O’Rourke said.

“The Prime Minister’s accusation was discreditable and therefore under Standing Order 386(2)(C) he should have been instructed to apologise.

“We raised this with the Speaker and we are pleased that he responded saying he would reflect on his decision.”

The remarks were made during questions in Parliament on New Zealand detainees on Christmas Island.

ENDS