Fri, 8 Oct 2004

Queer Solidarity With Ethnic Minorities

PrideAlliance calls upon the queer community to support the March for a Multicultural Aotearoa in Wellington this month.

"Many heterosexuals participated in the counter-protest against Destiny Church's homophobia in August," said PrideAlliance spokesperson Kelly Buchanan. "Now it's our turn to show support for the wider community."

The march has been organised by MCA (Multicultural Aotearoa) in response to an anti-Asian rally planned for the same day by fascist organisation the National Front. This far-right white supremacist group has been linked with numerous violent crimes against people and property in the Wellington region.

"Though their current public focus is Asians, the National Front is also a virulently homophobic group," said Ms Buchanan. "They participated in Destiny's anti-Civil Union rally, and are just as much a threat to us as they are to Jews and non-whites."

Vernon Tile, Alliance Party spokesperson on Human Rights, said "the National Front's attempt to blame Asians for New Zealand's troubles is reprehensible and completely without foundation. The responsibility for local jobs being lost to foreign companies lies firmly on the shoulders of the Labour/National double act, whose shared Free Trade agenda has devastated New Zealand industry."

"The government should also be doing more to help immigrants and refugees integrate in to New Zealand life," continued Mr Tile. "In particular, many highly skilled immigrants need more assistance in qualifying for suitable jobs in this country. Immigrants are capable of making a valuable contribution to New Zealand's culture and economy."

The March for a Multicultural Aotearoa is endorsed by PrideAlliance and the Alliance Party, along with many other organisations and prominent individuals. It will depart from the courtyard of Te Papa at noon, Saturday 23 October.

ENDS

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