Nat MP told to remove his post on US abortion ruling
Luxon says issue will not be back on table for his government if he is elected as PM
NSimon O’connor’s
post was taken down because it was causing distress
and does not represent the position of the National Party. Christopher Luxon, National leader
ational Party leader Christopher Luxon says MP Simon O’connor was asked to delete a social media post saying it was a “good day” after abortion rights in the US were curtailed because it “was causing distress and does not represent the position of the National Party.”
O’connor on Saturday posted “today is a good day” on social media after the Supreme Court ruling on Saturday overturning the 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision in the US — a step that means US states can ban abortion.
The post was later removed. Luxon, whose personal views are also opposed to abortion, yesterday morning confirmed O’connor was
asked to remove the post.
“The complete removal of abortion law in the overturning of Roe v Wade in the USA is distressing for many women everywhere and I empathise with them.
“Simon O’connor’s post was taken down because it was causing distress and does not represent the position of the National Party.”
Luxon reiterated his previous statement that New Zealand was in a different position to the US and its abortion reforms was debated, voted on “and ultimately settled” in 2019-2020.
“I have been consistent since becoming leader that these laws will not be relitigated or revisited under a future National government, and these health services will remain fully funded.”
“I understand how deeply held people’s views on abortion are.
“It’s important to me that women in New Zealand can have certainty that if I am elected Prime Minister these issues will not be put back on the table for further debate.”
O’connor has been approached for comment.