Turner calls for cool heads over Family Court

United Future deputy leader Judy Turner has today asked for restraint from future Family Court protestors in the wake of the noisy demonstration outside Helen Clark's Auckland home on Saturday.

"While I share many of the concerns of the father's rights activists who stage these protests, I do not condone the threatening and aggressive nature of such action," said Mrs Turner.

In the past there have been similar demonstrations outside the homes of Family Court judges and barristers.

"Although I believe the actions of some protestors are a little over the top, they must be brought into context. These men feel as though they are being let down by the Family Court system.

"Many men see these types of protests as the only way that their stories and concerns can be heard within a cultural environment where they feel forgotten.

"I am committed to helping to change this situation. I am aware of many cases where men have complained of unfair treatment because of a gender bias that exists in the Family Court.

"The fact that men often feel on the backfoot in the Family Court environment is of real concern and it is not helpful when people are dismissive of the concerns of fathers.

"Even the fact that fathers choose to protest in this way demonstrates the desperation men feel for support and mediation when facing Court proceedings," concluded Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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