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November 12, 2015

New Zealand: Women MPs Thrown Out for Disclosing Sexual Assaults 
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And in New Zealand, women members of Parliament have been thrown out of
the chamber Wednesday after sharing their stories of sexual assault.
Their actions came after New Zealand Prime Minister John Key accused
opposition politicians of "backing the rapists" when they raised
concerns about the detention of New Zealand citizens by the Australian
government. One by one, the women Parliament members rose to say that as
survivors of sexual assault, they were offended by Key's remarks. The
House speaker, David Carter, declared their statements out of order, but
they continued to rise, one by one, over the speaker's objections.

Poto Williams: "As a victim and survivor of family violence and an
advocate for victims of violence, I take personal offense at the
comments of the prime minister and ask him to withdraw..."

David Carter: "Order! Order! Now we're now getting into the stage when
there could be a series of these points of orders. ... I'll hear from
Catherine Delahunty on the assurance that it's a fresh point of order
and not in any way the type of points of order with..."

Catherine Delahunty: "It's a fresh point of order. It's not a campaign,
Mr. Speaker."

David Carter: "Sorry. Catherine Delahunty."

Catherine Delahunty: "As a victim of sexual assault..."

David Carter: "Order! Order!"

Catherine Delahunty: "I take personal offense and would like to ask for
a personal explanation..."

David Carter: "The member will resume her seat."

The women Parliament members continued to rise one by one, until finally
the House speaker of the New Zealand Parliament ordered them out.

 

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