ACT Seeks Assurances From Minister Over Hero Parade
Thursday 15th Feb 2001
Media Release -- Other
ACT Deputy Leader and Police Spokesman Ken Shirley is seeking the assurance of the Minister of Police that he will not
condone gay police marching in uniform as an exhibit in the Hero Parade this weekend.
“The sexual orientation of individual sworn police officers is not at issue here, but the integrity and standing of our
police force is. I believe it is inappropriate for sworn police officers to march as part of any public exhibition with
the possible exception of an Anzac parade recognising that the police and armed forces share some overlapping
responsibilities” said Ken Shirley.
“A key role for the police is to maintain civil order and uniformed gay police officers marching as an exhibit in the
contentious Hero Parade is unacceptable given that the public must assume that uniformed police officers are on duty,”
concluded Ken Shirley.
ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.