ACT Party Justice Spokesperson Out Of Control

ACT Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Franks, proposed repealing important provisions in the Human Rights Act during the final debate on the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill, which concluded last night, reports Rainbow Labour.

Franks' amendment was to repeal section 21(1)(m) of the Human Rights Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of their sexual orientation.

"Rodney Hide voted for the Civil Union Bill, and declared he was a supporter of the right for gay people to be recognised by the law. This is what one would expect of a party which calls itself the 'liberal' party," said Rainbow Labour Co-Chair, Michael Wallmannsberger.

In contrast, Stephen Franks has shown that he stands for the right of employers to fire employees because they are gay, for landlords' right to evict gay and lesbian tenants and for drivers to refuse to allow two men holding hands to get on a bus or into a taxi.

"All New Zealanders deserve a fair go", said Michael Wallmannsberger.

"It's not fair to allow people to discriminate against someone in areas of public life on the grounds of an irrelevant prejudice."

"Despite being a lawyer, Stephen Franks clearly doesn't understand the Human Rights Act. He paints himself as the champion of the caterer and taxi driver who have to provide services to gay people. But he conveniently ignores the gay taxi driver who has to take the fare of someone like Stephen Franks, despite his views", said Mr Wallmannsberger.

"It is disappointing that ACT has now joined National, NZ First, United Future and The Maori Party in the club of parties whose politicians are prepared to attack lesbian and gay people for political gain", said Mr Wallmannsberger.

ENDS

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