Ad Feedback

Parliament's 'Rainbow Room' to recognise gay contribution

The Dominion Post
Last updated 09:44 23/09/2008

Relevant offers

Politics

Sharples' stepson to be ordained in marae first Buy your furniture or we'll sell it, Crown tells ministers Harawira may not be forced out of party Consultants 'scandalous waste of money' Complaints about Harawira flood in 'Sticking points' stall ETS Parents know better than you, Children's Commissioner told Auckland Supercity structure unveiled Copenhagen negotiations on track - Groser National makes progress on ETS bill support

Somewhere over the Rainbow at Parliament there's now a select committee room dedicated to gay, lesbian and transgender New Zealanders.

The newly-named 'Rainbow Room' will recognise gay, lesbian and transgender New Zealanders and their contribution to society and Parliament.

Speaker Margaret Wilson said the designation of the Rainbow Room had been supported by members of all parties represented in Parliament.

She said the work of select committees was arguably the most influential and intensive work conducted by MPs.

"It is appropriate that it is with select committee rooms we recognise all members of our society and the paths they have taken to full citizenship with equal rights," Ms Wilson said.

She said the journey to full citizenship was recognised for other New Zealanders with Matangireia (the former Maori Affairs Committee Room); Maui Tikitiki-a-Taranga (the Maori Affairs Committee Room); the Pacific Room; the Suffrage Room and the recently dedicated Asia Room.

"All of these rooms tell the story of honest and full representation in the New Zealand Parliament," Ms Wilson said. 

Ad Feedback
63 comments
Si   #63   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

This is great... it promotes a 'them and us' mentality which is the first step in recognising them as the sick perverted individuals that they are.

Sam   #62   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Bugger that - 'To our grandfathers and grandchildren - the cavemen'

aaron_impact   #61   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

And the Great Unwashed of New Zealand greet this with thunderous applause.

More nannying, more bureaucracy.

Because it's good to have Auntie Helen wipe our backsides for us.

November can't come quick enough.

BK   #60   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Homosexuality:Once illegal then tolerated then legalised what next COMPULSORY????

Clint Heine   #59   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I can imagine, deep down in the Labour Party caucus, the pressing issues of the day were being thrashed out....

Kiwis leaving in record numbers to Aussie, tax rates being so high people were out of business, global economic meltdown, Winston Peters lying to everybody, food prices meaning families can't afford basics...

"I know! Let's create a Rainbow room!"

Kiwis are Kiwis as far as I care. I don't care what anybody does in their bedroom as it is nobodys business. Labour has made it an issue because they have so much riding on dividing New Zealand into groups so they can blame others for not accepting these groups when in reality other parties do accept them, but don't make a song and dance about it.

Dave-72   #58   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Wow, a rainbow room!

So we now are a complete happy and rounded PC nation! I am so happy that we have our heads on straight, so next we are going to make sure we have a % ratio representation in parlament based on not only race, sex and color , but sexual orientation?

I am a modest viewed south island, mixed culture middle class wife and 3 kids kiwi , I dont really care which way you swing as long as you dont push your views to hard on me and I will respect yours; but come on people!

All I hear now days is about minority groups and views, which funny enough, I never hear about the average "kiwi" who is struggling out there with his middle class life, hes not Maori, hes not gay, hes just and average guy looking after his family.

So wheres his room? and where is his voice now?

No wonder everyone is off to Oz..

TC   #57   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I think people need to make the clear distinction between "government" and "parliament" in this situation. Parliament - that is all MPs - have approved this idea, not just the ruling government.

Phil   #56   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I don't see how decorating a room could be considered bureaucracy. This is a simple way of acknowledging the inclusive nature of NZs parliamentary system.

Adam   #55   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Surely you're not implying that one has to be straight to be hard working, contribute to the tax pool, raise a family, rub shoulders with the esteemed middle class or refrain from criminal activity? And people wonder what a Rainbow Room is about! The Rainbow Room can be returned to it's previous incarnation when queer people and their "lifestyle" (thanks #21, funny how straight people have lifestyles which include fishing, gardening, playing soccer, whilst for gay people their sexuality is considered a lifestyle, as if it's a choice!)have equal rights (with marriage, adoption, sperm donation, and my all time favourite the ludicrous defence of sexual povication in response to violence against gay men - would I as a gay man be justified in dishing out the boot to a woman who comes on to me?). Sadly, I think the Rainbow Room will be around for a while yet.

David   #54   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I look forward to the M.C.H.W.W.M Room....

(Middle-Class Heterosexual Working White Male)

and Wayne (#2) with all the discrimination out there why do we need it in parliament? After all, aren't gay/lesbian people just ordinary New Zealanders, do they really need a special room? Perhaps it would be easier for people to accept if they didn't make such a big deal of their sexuality...


Show 4-53 of 63 comments
Ad Feedback
Special offers

Featured Promotions