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
source: newshub archive
