MP: Why I didn't vote on sex bill

By HELEN TUNNAH deputy political editor

New Zealand's first Muslim MP, Ashraf Choudhary, says his decision to abstain on the vote decriminalising prostitution was not wimpish or a "cop out".

He said he decided not to vote against the bill, which legalises soliciting and brothel-keeping, after many hours of soul-searching.

Politicians voted 60-59 to pass the Prostitution Reform Bill on Wednesday. Dr Choudhary's abstention cost opponents the one vote needed to defeat it.

His decision stunned Parliament, because he had opposed the bill.

Dr Choudhary was born in Pakistan and came to New Zealand almost 30 years ago.

"I had a considered and deliberate view that I would not vote for this bill because of my faith, my background - and my community would not expect me to vote for it.

"I'm pleased I didn't vote for it.

"But for me to vote against the bill would have negated the potential benefits for those unfortunate women who are in that situation."

Only a few MPs changed their conscience votes at the final count.

Dr Choudhary's abstention and the surprise decision of Labour MP Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, a church elder, to support the bill secured the win.

Both said Prime Minister Helen Clark did not lobby them to support the bill.

But the Herald understands she did speak to some of her party's newer MPs, and National says she lobbied one of its wavering MPs, John Key.

Her efforts to persuade him to vote in favour of the bill failed.

After the vote, Ms Laban said she was not expecting a backlash from Pacific Islanders or her church.

Dr Choudhary said the fact that he had not voted in favour of the bill was important for Muslims.

"I said to them I would not vote for it because it is against my own beliefs and it is against the community's beliefs."

He said he still held some misgivings about the bill, but hoped provisions to prevent migrants being brought to New Zealand for the sex trade and bans on underage prostitution were positive moves.

A spokesman for the Federation of Islamic Associations said Muslims were "disappointed" because Dr Choudhary's vote would have made a difference.

"From the Islamic perspective, prostitution is prohibited," he said.

"So anything which is going to liberalise, the federation opposes."