25 June 2004

Choudhary a disgrace: where is the Indian community voice?

Hobson Community Board member Aaron Bhatnagar today described the abstention by Labour MP Ashraf Choudhary over the Civil Union bill as disgraceful.

“The vote was a conscience vote. So where is his conscience?” said Mr Bhatnagar.

“Choudhary does not have the courage of his convictions,” said Mr Bhatnagar. “Surely as a pious Muslim he must have some opinion on the matter. I would have respected him even if I disagreed with him for at least having given representation to the community he says he represents, but he can’t even do that,” said Mr Bhatnagar.

“The Indian and Muslim community have no voice in Ashraf Choudhary. They should feel let down that they can’t even rely on his expressing an opinion, let alone one that offers protection and equality to all citizens of New Zealand.” said Mr Bhatnagar.

“What is the point in Mr Choudhary being in Parliament?” said Mr Bhatnagar. “He failed to speak his mind over the legalization of prostitution last year. He has again failed to speak his mind. He is a ditherer to the order of Alamein Kopu,” said Mr Bhatnagar.

Aaron Bhatnagar is a resident of Parnell, Auckland. He is heterosexual, half Indian, and is in favour of the Civil Union bill.

ENDS

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