1 October 2000

Prudish Peters desperately seeking poll ratings

Green Party co-leader Rod Donald has accused Winston Peters of gay bashing following his attack in today's Sunday Star Times on Green Party co-convenor Richard Davies' website advertising his homestay to gay men.

"Winston Peters is so desperate for publicity he is moving from Maori bashing to gay bashing," said Mr Donald. "If he's not homophobic, he is certainly a prude."

"The only effect of Mr Peters' attack - other than making himself look stupid - is to further boost both Richard's thriving business and support for the Green Party," said Mr Donald. "We are upfront about our sexual orientation policy and are proud to be the only party in this parliament to have one."

The Green Party's sexual orientation policy includes a commitment to celebrate diversity, encouragement of appreciation between groups, elimination of legislative barriers to full participation in society, elimination of institutional discrimination, and education in schools, workplaces and communities about sexual orientation.

Mr Donald said Mr Peters' attempt to link Richard Davies website with Tukoroirangi Morgan's boxer shorts was ridiculous.

"It is completely bizarre for Mr Peters to compare the marketing strategy of our co-convenor's private and successful business with one of his ex-MPs wasting taxpayers money on 'upmarket' underwear," said Mr Donald.

"As somebody who regularly visits Richard's Autumn Farm homestay when I am in Golden Bay I can say this place is one of the most beautiful, relaxing and inclusive places I have ever stayed.

"If Mr Peters was on top of his game instead of taking pot shots from the political sidelines he would have known that Autumn Farm was recently featured on prime time television, including footage of naked men in Richard's fabulous bath house."

Mr Donald said Mr Peters' calling the Greens hypocrites was a pathetic joke, clearly referring to Green objections to one of his MPs smoking on the same floor as Green parliamentary staff members.

"Mr Peters needs to wake up to the fact that homosexuality is legal but smoking in a smoke-free building you share with others is not. It is as simple as that."

"We left the 1950's a long time ago. Mr Peters needs to lighten up and get a life of his own," said Mr Donald.

Rod Donald MP: 03 366 3292, 025 507 183

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