Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
National leader Christopher Luxon has categorically ruled out NZ First candidate Michael Laws from ever serving as a minister in a government he leads, after remarks Laws made about female Opportunity Party candidates triggered a wave of condemnation across the political spectrum.
The controversy erupted after Laws, speaking on his online programme The Platform, made personal and sexualised comments about Opportunity Party candidate Dr,Kayla Kingdon-Bebb and later criticised party leader Qiulae Wong in terms many observers described as sexist and degrading. His comments included references to appearance, personality and speculative remarks about private relationships that quickly drew public backlash.
Luxon left little room for interpretation.
Calling the remarks “stupid, absolutely stupid”, the National leader declared: “He’s not gonna be a minister in my government, period.”
Deputy National leader Nicola Willis was equally blunt, describing the comments as “disgusting” and “nasty”, while ACT leader David Seymour reportedly labelled them “gross and stupid”. [
Peters Stands By Candidate
Despite the criticism, NZ First leader Winston Peters has stopped short of removing Laws as a candidate.
Peters acknowledged the comments were “not acceptable” and said Laws would be “told off”, but insisted no further disciplinary action would be taken. [rnz.co.nz], [odt.co.nz]
That response has generated criticism from opponents who argue the matter warrants stronger consequences, particularly in an election campaign where public conduct is under intense scrutiny.
Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong described the remarks as “absolutely disgusting” and said they contributed to a political culture that already exposes female leaders to disproportionate hostility and abuse.
Political Timing Could Not Be Worse
The controversy arrives at a critical point in the campaign.
With polling showing National and Labour effectively neck-and-neck and smaller parties potentially holding the balance of power, the focus on candidate conduct threatens to become a distraction from policy debates.
It also highlights an increasingly important question voters are asking: What kind of behaviour should New Zealand tolerate from those seeking public office?
For many Christians, that question goes beyond politics.
The Biblical Standard
While Christians will hold differing political views and support different parties, Scripture provides a remarkably consistent standard for how men should speak about women.
The Bible teaches that women are not objects for ridicule, sexual commentary, or public humiliation, but fellow image-bearers of God.
Genesis 1:27 declares that both male and female are created in God’s image.
The New Testament raises the standard further. Paul instructs believers to speak “only what is helpful for building others up” (Ephesians 4:29), while Peter teaches that men should treat women with honour and respect (1 Peter 3:7).
Jesus Himself consistently demonstrated dignity toward women in a culture that often marginalised them. Whether speaking with the Samaritan woman, defending the woman caught in adultery, or welcoming women among His followers, Christ modelled respect where society often offered contempt.
That does not mean Christians cannot disagree robustly with female politicians, activists, journalists or public figures.
Democracy depends on vigorous debate.
But there is a profound difference between critiquing ideas and attacking personal appearance, making sexualised remarks, or seeking to demean someone’s dignity.
The commandment to “love your neighbour as yourself” does not disappear during election campaigns.
Beyond Politics
The fallout from the Michael Laws controversy is likely to continue in the final days before polling day.
But for Christians, the incident serves as a reminder that character matters as much as conviction.
Scripture repeatedly warns that words reveal what is in the heart. Political passion, frustration, or ideological disagreement never justify speech that demeans others.
In an age where outrage generates clicks and insults attract attention, followers of Christ are called to a different standard.
Not weakness.
Not silence.
But truth spoken with grace.
As Proverbs 31:26 says of the godly woman: “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Perhaps in today’s political climate, that is counsel all sides could benefit from hearing.
