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| John Key speaking at the Big Gay Out |
John Key's position on redefining marriage is inconsistent.
Is he acting as Prime Minister, or as an elected member with his own conscience?
If, as Prime Minister, he thinks that marriage should be completely redefined, then why doesn't the Government put forward a bill to that effect?
John Key is obviously not acting as an electorate MP, as he is saying that the views of his Helensville electorate most likely not change how he's going to vote. These voters are basically going to be unrepresented when it comes to this major change to a fundamental institution of society, which is something they should think about future elections when voting.
John Key seems to want to act as an elected member with his own conscience, but wanting his Helensville electorate constituents to see him as acting as Prime Minister, therefore not being beholden to their views. However, he's not acting as Prime Minister, because his party's policy has never been to redefine marriage. The definition of marriage bill is an opposition bill that was drawn from a hat!
It seems John Key is hoping that different people will interpret his position on this bill in different ways, thinking that no one is going to notice that his position is not consistent.
If he's Prime Minister, he shouldn't support an opposition bill that goes against what most people who voted for National expected. If he's not Prime Minister however, for the purposes of this bill, he should stop trying to influence others based on his position! Make it clear that he is voting according to his own conscience, and every other elected National MP will do the same.
I wish I could find a quote with John Key saying he's acting as Prime Minister in this case and not an electorate MP. I've heard him say it on the radio, but I'll be darned if I can find it again!
Related link: Poll won't sway Key's vote for gay marriage