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PM to radio host: 'You've got that gay red top on'

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John Key's 'gay' gaffe

3News NZ

Prime Minister John Key (3 News file)

Prime Minister John Key (3 News file)

By 3 News online staff

Just days before finding himself in the firing line for comments made about international footballer David Beckham, Prime Minister John Key has attracted new criticism.

Key appeared on RadioSport's Farming Show on Friday where he criticised long-time host Jamie Mackay’s red sweatshirt – but it’s his choice of words rather than his fashion sense which has landed him back in the hot seat.

“You’re munted mate, you’re never gonna make it, you’ve got that gay red top on there,” he said.

Just minutes earlier he had made reference to Mackay’s top, criticising the host for not wearing blue, the colour associated with Key’s National Party.

“What you’re wearing is an absolute disgrace, you parade yourself as some sort of centre-right interested member,” he said.

The Green Party’s rainbow issues spokesperson Kevin Hague condemns the quip and says Mr Key is reinforcing prejudices and stereotypes.

“The pejorative use of the word ‘gay’ is something gay people have been underlining for a few years now and it’s something we really want to see the back of.

“Its use particularly around kids and young people send a pretty strong signal to young gay and lesbian New Zealanders that being gay is something bad,” he says.

Mr Hague is hopeful Mr Key won’t set trends after his one-liner.

“On the up side, just like he did with planking, his use of this word might kill it.”

Mr Key was not immediately available for comment as he prepares for the release of the Royal Commission’s report into the Pike River mine tragedy.

3 News

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Comments

11/11/2012 8:24:30 a.m.

David H wrote:

Maybe he's hiding in the closet.

10/11/2012 3:27:34 p.m.

Daniel Lang wrote:

Yeah dale but people do need to watch what they say.

8/11/2012 5:48:19 p.m.

Dale wrote:

I vote against John Key and National. However, I'm 67 and remember using the word gay as happy, cheery, bouncy - maybe bouncy and frivolous. Do we know for certain what (if anything) was in JK's mind at the time? Seems better not to make assumptions..? (see "The four Agreements"for some thoughts on this, and on not taking things personally) The word "gay" was not used in my youth as it is now, it got changed on us.... Does JK have a bygone take on it still? Say frivolous...? Does it matter? I think that John Key is not very focused and needs to develop more concentration on what is coming out of his mouth. I think there is a danger however, of teaching our kids that the verbal behaviour of others causes suffering. Should it? If,from words someone says, we feel like a victim or think that gays will; maybe a course in Tibetan Buddhist thought and meditation wouldn't go a amiss. The world's happiest man (Matthieu Ricard) suggests to feel compassion and love for others in cases like this (and much worse) and - by the way - we could all have a go at "turning the other cheek" someone said that too (JC) ...why? Maybe we end up happier..? It's what we say to ourselves - on the inside - that counts - not what comes from the outside.

8/11/2012 11:28:57 a.m.

Gary wrote:

Unfortunately we have a small negative mind running the country so until that is removed and replaced by a grown up NZ stays where it is.

7/11/2012 12:58:27 p.m.

Retihiamatikei Cribb wrote:

Someone please move on. Gay used to mean happy, frivolity.....small negative minds creates small negative results

7/11/2012 10:00:42 a.m.

story not worth the time write wrote:

wow this looks like another case of new zealand politics and media showing we arnt growen up enough yet to be considered a viable palyer on a world stage if this is the sort of meager shit that grabs headlines than we need to do some growing up by the way o and good on ya john for saying what you wanted to say and not censoring yourself for a bunch of over sensitive children.

7/11/2012 9:57:55 a.m.

Jonno wrote:

Key is trying to be controversial so as to cause a distraction from his current state of affairs.

6/11/2012 11:08:14 p.m.

Daniel Lang wrote:

I think that Key was just being lighthearted and that's just him. Personally I would like to see a more professional PM in office, but I won't ever hold my breath on that one.

6/11/2012 5:32:28 p.m.

Wynston wrote:

I never thought I would ever find myself defending Shon... (oops, sorry) John Key. Kevin Hague and all others criticising Key in this matter would have done well to consult a dictionary, preferably the Oxford, before opening their mouths or touching a keyboard!

6/11/2012 4:34:09 p.m.

Michael wrote:

It's actually really disheartening reading all the comments on this and other related articles - the number of people who think it's OK to use "gay" as a pejorative shows we've a long way to go before sexual minorities can feel safe and accepted in this country. It's just ignorance really. Plain and piteous ignorance.