Does the Minister of Justice not understand human rights? – Out@Work 22.2.10

The appointment of Brian Neeson to the Human Rights Review Tribunal is inconsistent with human rights expectations and understanding in this country, said Karena Brown, spokesperson on gay rights issues for the Council of Trade Unions Out@Work network.

“On two counts Brian Neeson’s appointment to the tribunal is an appalling decision,” said Brown. “Firstly, he does not believe in a very large section of the community having the same rights as others and secondly, he was appointed to the tribunal without an interview.”

Mr Neeson is on record as having voted to exclude sexual orientation from the 1993 Human Rights Bill when he was an MP, and he also voted against provisions in the Human Rights legislation providing protection for homosexuals and Aids sufferers.

“New Zealand has a very proud history of human rights and our institutions and practises work to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity, respect and dignity regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation. The Human Rights Commission serves to protect us all. We see this appointment as undermining one of the most important institutions in our country. There is neither justice nor respect for a modern human rights approach in this appointment. It’s an incredibly backward step.”

“We believe that three other persons were also appointed onto the Human Rights Review Tribunal without proper interview. At its most basic level this process is completely flawed. People should not be appointed to a position such as this without an interview. Also they should not be appointed if their track record and their actions don’t match up with the basic philosophy of human rights.”

“Protecting and ensuring equal rights for gay people is at the core of human rights. Someone with the kind of voting record that Brian Neeson has displayed should not be appointed to a body dedicated to ensuring justice and dignity for all people.”