Rainbow Panel Opponent to Apply for Position

At its Governing Body meeting today, Auckland Council voted for the creation of a Rainbow Advisory Panel which supporters say will enable GLBTI people to have their voices heard by the Council. It will cost at least $56,000 to set up and run for twelve months, funded from the Mayoral Office budget.

Vocal opponent of the advisory panel, Mayoral candidate Stephen Berry is disappointed by the news, fearing it will become “a vehicle for radical activists to fund pet projects which have nothing to do with the Council’s core functions.”

In order to prevent this occurring, Mr. Berry will be applying to become a member of the advisory panel himself when the Council advertises the positions over the coming month. “I think it is important that any so-called gay voice being heard by the Council includes a voice saying do not condescend gay people with a special position.”

“If successful in obtaining an appointment to the Rainbow Advisory Panel, I’ll oppose the funding of services or activities outside of the Council’s core functions. I’ll be supporting proposals that lower rates. I’ll be demanding Auckland Council treat gay, lesbian and transgender people just like everybody else.”

Mr. Berry says he will donate any payment he receives for attending panel meetings to the AIDS foundation.

ENDS

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