Prime Minister John Key says he gave approval to National MP Maurice Williamson to appear on American talkshow Ellen because it was an opportunity to promote New Zealand as a tolerant, progressive country.
Mr Key said he was surprised by the global attention Mr Williamson had received for his speech in the House on gay marriage legislation last week, and jokingly described the MP as "our own little gay icon".
Mr Williamson was invited to appear on Ellen Degeneres' show after his contribution to the debate became a social media hit, but he was concerned that he would break ministerial rules because the trip would be paid for by the show's producers.
Asked what his reasoning was for allowing the trip, Mr Key said: "It would be hard to stop him."
He added: "While he gave a very humorous sort of speech, there is a serious message in here. If that helps in terms of New Zealand getting a reputation for being a tolerant, progressive society then I think that's good for New Zealand."