MP takes issue with customs
National leadership hopeful 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 chair. 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 part of her former job as ethnic communities minister was to meet 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.
‘‘I don’t take that rubbish about ‘women have a different place’, actually, our place is wherever we think it is ...
‘‘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.’’
Collins used the conversation to reference occasions in the past where Ma¯ ori cultural custom had been put above women’s rights.
In 1998, Helen Clark was barred from speaking on the marae at Waitangi, when she visited as Opposition leader.
Clark was reduced to tears after she was challenged by Ma¯ ori activist Titewhai Harawira.
Collins said the treatment of Clark was ‘‘appalling’’. ‘‘She was the leader of the Opposition and she was humiliated.’’
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
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. ‘‘We’ve got to try and understand each other.’’
She suggested New Zealand officials speak directly to Iranian officials to find a way forward where both cultures felt appropriately respected.
On Thursday, Winston Peters said he hoped to find out more about what went on during the exchange.
‘‘You’ve got to have regard to cultural sensitivities around the world and be very aware of the environment you’re in, and a member of Parliament would be expected to know that,’’ he said.
‘‘I can tell you, offshore in certain circumstances, where I have met female ministers, I’ve known what the protocol is. You can be as polite as you possibly can, but it does not require a handshake. A lot of cultures don’t go in for handshaking, whether it’s male or female.’’
Peters said he expected the committee would prepare a report for the prime minister.
Cultural Atlas said men and women generally will not shake hands unless the female outstretches her hand first and the man is willing to reciprocate the gesture. For a western woman, it is best to bow to greet an Iranian man and wait for him to initiate a further handshake if he feels comfortable, it said.