Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has spoken out about hate and bigotry online, revealing he has faced homophobic abuse at public meetings recently.
Grant Robertson Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
In a post he shared on Facebook and Instagram, Robertson, who is gay, noted a gunman's attack on a gay bar in Norway yesterday and the US Supreme Court decision on abortion and said, "the world feels as volatile, scary and uncertain as it has for many decades now."
"After two years of stress and anxiety from the pandemic, the forces of hate and bigotry seem to be on the rise."
Robertson said that an "anti-vax guy in a public meeting last week" yelled at him "that he was going to f****** get you, you homo c***."
"He is not representative of a great movement, is he?" Robertson wrote.
Photo: Supplied / Facebook
There has been a rise in violence against the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.
The Rainbow Youth centre in Tauranga burned down recently in a suspicious fire.
"Our response must be to stand together and support and protect each other," Robertson wrote.
"If you see bigotry and racism call it out, even if it is not directed at you.
"If you know someone is dangerous or is saying things that are threatening, don't let it slide by, report it."
"I felt so proud of us on Friday during the Matariki celebrations. I know that New Zealanders are for the most part fair minded and generous. Let's hold tight to that."