27.06.2003
By HELEN TUNNAH deputy political editor
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New Zealand's first Muslim MP, Ashraf Choudhary, says his decision to abstain on the vote decriminalising prostitution
was not wimpish or a "cop out".
…
"I had a considered and deliberate view that I would not vote for this bill because of my faith, my background - and my
community would not expect me to vote for it.
"I'm pleased I didn't vote for it.
"But for me to vote against the bill would have negated the potential benefits for those unfortunate women who are in
that situation."
"I said to them I would not vote for it because it is against my own beliefs and it is against the community's beliefs."
…
Dr Choudhary's abstention and the surprise decision of Labour MP Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, a church elder, to support the
bill secured the win.
Both said Prime Minister Helen Clark did not lobby them to support the bill.
…
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