PRESS RELEASE

23 November 1999

Gael Donoghue
Whanganui Candidate

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE CANDIDATE OBJECTS TO LABOUR’S GAY PAMPHLET

Gael Donoghue, Whanganui Christian Heritage Party Candidate, and Party Health Spokesperson expressed concern today about the Gay Pamphlet published by the Labour Party which pictures their six Gay, Lesbian and Transgender candidates.

Mrs Donoghue says, “The accompanying messages make interesting reading, and I think it is very important that the general public be made aware of this publication. I understand from Auckland newspaper press releases is that 15,000 of these pamphlets have been distributed within gay networks. Do Labour voters realise what they are voting for?” she asks.

The pamphlet’s messages state: ‘Labour has led the way in promoting and protecting the rights of gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexuals through support for the Homosexual Law Reform Act and the Human Rights Act.’

‘At this year’s election we have more gay, lesbian and transgender people standing to give effect to this commitment than ever before. Every party vote for Labour increases our representation in Parliament.’

“And if that is not enough,” says Mrs Donoghue, “the concluding statement from Helen Clark reads:
‘After the election the gay, lesbian and transgender communities will have a number of strong advocates in the Labour Caucus – and don’t forget that I am also a strong advocate for gay, lesbian and transgender issues.’ – Labour Leader Helen Clark.

About a week after these pamphlets were published Helen Clark switched her focus, talking about values – she was reported as ‘launching a crusade to reclaim our country!’ “In my view,” says Mrs Donoghue, “crusading on values while promoting homosexuality is surely as valueless as you can get!

“National, Act, Alliance and Greens are all fielding homosexual candidates, which comes as no surprise,” says Gael Donoghue, “since Prime Minister Shipley, Labour’s Helen Clark and Alliance’s Sandra Lee all attended the Hero Parade earlier in the year.

“Legalising same-sex marriage is a most important issue for the gay community we are told, and the production of a lengthy public discussion document which Mrs Shipley promised in her speech at the Hero Parade, came to fruition a few months ago. Public submissions are called for by March next year. These people also want legalisation of adoption of children into these relationships.

“The traditional understanding of committed heterosexual marriage and family is being put at risk by this small but determined lobby group, aided and abetted by politicians who will sacrifice traditional common sense values in return for a dubious number of votes,” says Mrs Donoghue.

“The Christian Heritage Party, whilst recognising that adult people can choose their own lifestyle, opposes same sex marriages and adoption of children into these relationships. The Party also strongly opposes the promotion of homosexuality in any form and particularly in schools,” concluded Mrs Donoghue.

Contact: Mrs Gael Donoghue on (06) 347 6000 or (025) 514 980
Party Leader Graham Capill (021) 661 766

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