Greeting advice slammed by Collins

National’s Judith Collins has slammed advice to a female MP that put cultural customs above women’s rights.

On Thursday, Labour MP Jo Luxton was told not to attempt to shake the hands of members of a visiting Iranian agricultural delegation.

The advice came ahead of a primary production select committee meeting, where Luxton is the deputy chairwoman.

Luxton was told attempting to shake the men’s hands would be inappropriate.

Luxton and her two fellow male Labour MPs took offence and none shook the Iranians’ hands.

Collins told the AM Show yesterday part of her former job as ethnic communities minister was to meet with diplomats, and the only person who always refused to shake her hand was the Iranian ambassador.

‘‘When people come here, my view is, they need to adapt into our culture, and respect women in exactly the same way.’’

When Kiwis went overseas, they should respect the culture and customs of the home country, Collins said.

‘‘If you’re a minister you’re there in the role of a minister, you’re not there in the role of a woman . . . the role of minister is genderless, and people need to be treated with respect in those roles.’’

However, Women’s Minister Julie Anne Genter took a softer approach to the discussion over women’s rights versus cultural beliefs.

‘‘I’m not quite as harsh on people,’’ she told the AM Show.

It was ‘‘incredibly important’’ to champion the rights of women, but ‘‘when it comes to shaking hands, different cultures have different practices’’.

If the physical contact was a problem because of cultural or religious beliefs, a respectful alternative – like a bow – would be appropriate, Genter said.

On Thursday, Winston Peters said he hoped to find out more about what went on during the exchange.

‘‘You’ve really got to have regard to cultural sensitivities around the world and be very aware of the environment you’re in,’’ he said.

‘‘A lot of cultures don’t go in for handshaking, whether it’s male or female.’’