Political Leaders Condemn Sexist Remarks By Michael Laws
Outcry Over Misogynistic Comments
Political figures in New Zealand are expressing strong condemnation following remarks made by NZ First candidate Michael Laws. The controversy began after Laws used his online talk show to target members of the Opportunity Party, specifically candidate Kayla Kingdon-Bebb and party leader Qiulae Wong. Laws described Kingdon-Bebb as severe-looking and compared her to an officious primary school teacher, while making a sexual jibe regarding her private life. He further criticized her appearance, commenting on the length of her dress and her lack of makeup.
Laws also directed his criticism toward Qiulae Wong, accusing her of having a stern and disapproving manner. He suggested that the women dominating the Opportunity Party represented an authoritarian fascist streak often found in metropolitan liberals. He described them as entitled individuals from private schools who look down on others, claiming that an Opportunity presence in Parliament would bring back an “infant mistress” dynamic.
Demands For Resignation And Political Fallout
Qiulae Wong has described the comments as absolutely disgusting and stated that they make her skin crawl. She argued that such language contributes to a toxic culture and fuels the hate that female politicians already face online. Wong has called for Laws to leave politics entirely, asserting that he has no place in the next Parliament. She noted that while the deadline for candidates to stand down has passed, the party leadership should make it clear that he is not welcome.
Wong emphasized that negotiating with someone who uses such language would be nearly impossible, suggesting this would be a significant consideration at any future negotiating table. She compared the situation to a previous instance where another candidate resigned after making comments about a woman taking leave to care for a baby, arguing that Laws’ remarks are far worse and deserve similar repercussions.
Kayla Kingdon-Bebb also spoke out, describing the comments as creepy and misogynistic. She stated that such attacks make women feel less safe and discourage them from seeking election, simply telling Laws to do better.
Responses From Party Leadership
NZ First leader Winston Peters acknowledged that the language used was not acceptable but declined to sack Laws as a candidate. Peters stated that Laws had been given a serious telling-off, which he considers a significant consequence. He suggested that the political climate has become frazzled with attacks from all sides, though he maintained that the remarks were inadequate.
For his part, Michael Laws issued a statement claiming his remarks were intended to be mischievously humorous and puckish. He stated that he had no intent to cause offense and offered an unreserved apology to anyone who was offended, noting that he had accepted the reprimand from his party leader.
Other political leaders have been more severe in their assessments. National leader Christopher Luxon described the comments as stupid and absolutely stupid, ruling out the possibility of Laws serving as a minister in any future government. National deputy Nicola Willis called the remarks disgusting and nasty, adding that using primary school teachers as a demeaning phrase is offensive.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins suggested that the comments revealed the true culture within NZ First, claiming that Laws had said the quiet part out loud. Hipkins criticized the response from party leadership as inadequate, arguing that higher standards should be set. Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds added that the comments proved Laws was out of touch, asserting that women have a rightful place in leadership and politics.
Both the Green Party and ACT described the comments as gross. Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick stated that the country deserves better than such nonsense during an election. ACT leader David Seymour noted that voters can observe these events and make their own decisions when casting their ballots.