A New Zealand lawmaker, Chlöe Swarbrick, co-leader of the Green Party, was removed from Parliament during a heated debate concerning the recognition of a Palestinian state. The incident occurred on Tuesday when she referred to government lawmakers as "spineless" while urging them to support her proposal for imposing sanctions on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Swarbrick's fiery speech called for action and accountability from the New Zealand government, suggesting that it was time for the country to acknowledge the Palestinian state's struggles. She stated, "If we can find six of 68 government MPs with a spine, we can stand on the right side of history," highlighting the need for government lawmakers to take a moral stand. The Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee, interrupted her statement, declaring it unacceptable and demanding an apology. When Swarbrick refused to withdraw her remark, she was ordered to leave the chamber for the rest of the week as a consequence.
Despite facing a three-day ban, Swarbrick returned to Parliament the following day, only to be expelled again for not apologizing. As she was escorted out, she shouted, "free Palestine," signaling her unwavering stance on the issue. Brownlee deemed her personal insult to the entire government chamber as severe misconduct warranting a formal naming vote. The ruling led to her suspension from parliamentary duties and a dock in pay, an unusual occurrence in New Zealand's parliamentary practice.
The debate over Swarbrick's ejection intensified discussions surrounding the disciplinary measures taken for inappropriate conduct in Parliament. Lawmakers from the opposition criticized the severity of Swarbrick's punishment, pointing out a discrepancy in the treatment of unruly behavior among politicians. Willie Jackson, a member of the opposition, cited his experience of receiving a mere 30-minute ban for calling a colleague a liar, while others had not faced similar repercussions for comparable language. Opposition leader Chris Hipkins expressed concern over the precedent set by ejecting a lawmaker for multiple days for a single offense.
In defending the decision, Brownlee explained his reasoning by referencing the need for parliamentary decorum amid rising threats directed at lawmakers. He emphasized the importance of setting an example to foster a respectful atmosphere within Parliament, stating, "If we don’t change the behavior in here, nothing will change outside." This remark underscored the growing tension within the political climate, fueled by various protests related to the situation in Gaza.
As protests regarding the war in Gaza continue globally, the New Zealand government is facing mounting pressure to address the issue of Palestinian statehood. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating a need for a shift in New Zealand's diplomatic stance. Luxon remarked that Netanyahu "has lost the plot" when addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and suggested that the recognition of Palestine by New Zealand was a matter of "not if, but when." Nevertheless, the government's official position on recognizing Palestine will be further evaluated, with a decision anticipated in September.
The dynamics within New Zealand's Parliament reflect broader international discussions surrounding the recognition of Palestinian statehood, with countries like Australia and several European nations moving towards acknowledging Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities and challenges faced by lawmakers in navigating sensitive geopolitical issues, particularly as public sentiment and international pressures continue to evolve.
