MEDIA RELEASE
7 August 2008

Politicians Should Maintain Standards of Speech in the House

Family First NZ has written to the Speaker of the House requesting that she require politicians to maintain appropriate standards of speech in the House. It follows Green MP Sue Bradford’s use of the ‘f’ word during question time yesterday.

“Although it was part of a quote, it was completely unnecessary and inappropriate that she used the full offensive word. She could have still raised her concern without repeating the language which she was complaining about,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“It is significant that the media have been able to cover the story without using the full word and we applaud them for that.”

“The proceedings in the House are of huge public interest. Politicians need to set the standard of what is acceptable in formal settings – especially where families and children may also be listening.”

“The behaviour of politicians in the House are already causing concern to many NZ’ers. If the Speaker does not make a ruling against Sue Bradford’s inappropriate language, it will simply become a ‘free for all’ for foul language in Parliament.”

“Our politicians should set the standards of behaviour – not push the boundaries of what is acceptable and appropriate,” says Mr McCoskrie.

ENDS

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