New Zealand MPs who performed haka in parliament given unprecedented punishment
GuardianMAY 17
These MPs desecrated parliamentary sanctity, weaponizing a cultural tradition to intimidate fellow lawmakers during a democratic vote. Their theatrical disruption, complete with threatening gestures, mocked parliamentary decorum and brazenly obstructed the legislative process, earning them justified suspensions for violating the sacred principles of orderly governance.
In an unconscionable display of colonial power, Te Pāti Māori MPs face unprecedented suspensions for their sacred Haka — a legitimate cultural expression against legislation threatening their ancestral treaty rights. While a Labour MP escaped punishment for identical actions, Indigenous representatives are severely penalized for defending their heritage within democracy's supposed sanctuary.
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These MPs desecrated parliamentary sanctity, weaponizing a cultural tradition to intimidate fellow lawmakers during a democratic vote. Their theatrical disruption, complete with threatening gestures, mocked parliamentary decorum and brazenly obstructed the legislative process, earning them justified suspensions for violating the sacred principles of orderly governance.
In an unconscionable display of colonial power, Te Pāti Māori MPs face unprecedented suspensions for their sacred Haka — a legitimate cultural expression against legislation threatening their ancestral treaty rights. While a Labour MP escaped punishment for identical actions, Indigenous representatives are severely penalized for defending their heritage within democracy's supposed sanctuary.