Female MP warned off handshake
Labour MP Jo Luxton was told not to shake hands with Iranian men visiting New Zealand as part of an agricultural delegation.
Luxton is the deputy chairwoman of the primary production select committee, which held a meeting with the Iranians yesterday.
Labour MP Kieran McAnulty said Luxton was advised ahead of the meeting not to shake hands with the men. She was told it was not appropriate.
‘‘I was appalled to witness @joluxx be advised not to approach and shake hands with an Iranian delegation ... I refused to shake their hands in support of Jo. It’s unacceptable that such an instruction can be made of any woman in this country,’’ McAnulty tweeted.
Luxton told NZME the situation made her uncomfortable, as a woman. However, she understood she had to deal with cultural differences in her role as an MP.
Foreign Minister 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. ‘‘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.