By Patrick Gower
Labour leader David Shearer is facing party in-fighting over the gay marriage bill.
His Mangere MP Su'a William Sio has spoken out, saying it has offended the Pacific Island community and must be withdrawn - or it could cost Labour the next election.
Mr Shearer has been out and about in Nelson, trying to engage with the provinces. The problem is, the gay marriage bill has caused a rebellion back in Labour's true heartland - south Auckland - and it is being led by one of his own MPs.
“Sua's obviously got an opinion - its an opinion that's not shared right across our Caucus,” Mr Shearer says.
Mr Sio says that the bill is a big problem and could cost Labour its Pacific vote, and with that, the next election.
“There are other, more weightier, more pressing issues like holding John Key to account for the weakening economy and the lack of jobs, and that's where our priority ought to be rather than an issue that has the potential to really derail our focus on winning election,” Mr Sio says.
Prime Minister John Key has chipped in on the issue.
“It just shows you they are not a happy team 'round there in Labour.”
Mr Sio says the anti-smacking bill, prostitution law reform and civil unions cost Labour 30,000 votes from the conservative, church-going Pacific community - and gay marriage could do as much damage.
It is a view backed by Church leaders such as Word of Life Church leader Reverend Tavale Matai’a.
“This is a slap in the face for us. It’s violating the foundation of our society - of our community.”
But Louisa Wall, who put the bill in the ballot box, says she won't be dropping the bill - even if it costs Labour votes.
So Mr Shearer's attempt at a charm offensive in the provinces is completely overshadowed by an internal Labour Party row over gay marriage.
3 News