Thu 2 Oct 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Michael Barnett Auckland business leader Michael Barnett has spoken out against the ongoing chat about Labour leadership contender Grant Robertson’s sexuality, saying “so what” about the fact he is gay. The respected chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust has a gay son, former Gay Auckland Business Association President Skot Barnett. “I am a parent and I have a son who is gay,” Barnett writes in a frank piece in the New Zealand Herald. “I do not define him by that nor exclude him in any way because of it. Neither do his brother or sister. Like all parents, we love our children differently - but we love them.” He adds that whether he agrees with the Labour Party processes or politics is irrelevant. “At some point they will be looking for a leader. Someone who is articulate, values based, reflects their political party's policies, can lead and inspire, has passion and energy to build a team can challenge and win. “Grant and others will put their hands up for the job and in my opinion should only be defined by their ability to deliver these things. I wish them luck.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 2nd October 2014 - 11:25am