GE FREE Press Release
Protesters challenge Labour for 5-year GE moratorium
The Labour party's decision to support the lapse of the moratorium on GE releases in October 2003 is unconscionable.
The news from Central America that maize has been contaminated with Ge constructs at the centre of its diversity, and
from the UK that all cloned animals are born with defects, if they survive at all, puts Labour policy on the wrong side
of science, ethics and the public view.
The protest outside the Labour Conference in Wellington will urge delegates to challenge their own party's policy before
it is too late.
" The new GE cows application must be referred to the Bio Ethics Committee, and we need a re-think on the direction for
biotechnology in this country", said Jon Carapiet.
The government insists on ignoring scientific warnings ethics, cultural values of Maori and other ethnic groups and
traditions, and are turning a blind eye to the very real economic issues for Brand NZ .
" I do not believe Labour delegates at the conference or Labour voters support this push for GE from the government and
big business. " said Jon " Labour have set themselves up for a revolt from inside their own party, and of course from
the hundreds of Thousands of New Zealanders who will have a vote at the election " said Mr Carapiet ends.
Jon Carapiet GE Free NZ 021266 1577