Auckland man's homophobic speech ignorant and ironic

[16.11.16] The Human Rights Commission says an Auckland man blaming gay people for deadly earthquakes is ironic given that today is an international day dedicated to tolerance.

“Blaming gay people and other New Zealanders for the deadly quakes is both ignorant and ironic given that today is the UN International Day for Tolerance: Mr Tamaki’s words are a lesson to us all that intolerance and prejudice is very real,” said Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley.

"At this time when families are mourning loved ones and many more are scared and wondering how to face the next day: this kind of message is frankly, disgusting.”

"It is humbling to see local and central government and community coming together - as is often the case the local marae has taken in hundreds of stranded people while Ngai Tahu iwi stepped in quickly with donations including tonnes of kaimoana. Please continue to stick together and look after one another."

"I encourage New Zealanders to continue to look to our earthquake scientists and our civil defence experts for guidance, rather than putting their trust in Mr Tamaki's sermons."

“We are all born free and equal in dignity and rights and we are entitled to be actively included in our shared world. This is the foundation of the UN Declaration for Human Rights that our country that our nation is a signatory to,” said Mr Tankersley.

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