National MP mouths off on Muslims and gays

Bob Clarkson

National MP Bob Clarkson is in trouble again after mouthing off against Muslims and gays and saying he barely tolerates parliament.

The man who got voters talking about a comment he made about his left testicle in the last election campaign said this week "Islam-religion-type people" should try to fit in better in New Zealand.

"I do have a bit of a problem with Islam religion-type people wearing scarves and burqas around the place. I think people should fit into the country," he said in an interview with the Manawatu Standard.

He followed that up with a swipe at the gay community saying "I've got nothing against homosexuals and lesbians as long as they're doing it in their own house, but if you try to ram it down my throat, look out."

The man who unseated NZ First MP Winston Peters from Tauranga was learning how to go into damage control after the interview.

He told The Dominion Post the burqa comments were aimed at two women who were ordered to remove their veils in court. The word "scarves" had somehow slipped in.

Federation of Islamic Associations president Javed Khan said the comments were ignorant and arrogant.

Mr Clarkson also caused a stir on Wednesday when he said he was "a bit pissed off" with the racket in Parliament. Mr Clarkson described himself in the Manawatu Standard interview as a tolerant man.

"I think people in power should respect the Bible, they should respect the norm.

"I don't practice religion, but I'm very tolerant of all types of religion." He is expected to host a Good Jokers Unite evening in Upper Hutt next week.

The MP said "political stuff's boring. Let's talk about life."

It appears the Tauranga businessman does not enjoy politics.

"No, I don't like it. I tolerate it and I make that quite clear. But I wouldn't say I don't want to be there."

Mr Clarkson was hauled into the election limelight when Mr Peters said his multi-millionaire builder rival was once centre of a sexual harassment dispute.

It turned out a woman once complained about Mr Clarkson after she overhead him saying "I bet my left testicle the All Blacks would win".

Mr Clarkson managed to arouse further interest in his groin by clutching it in front of a female TV3 reporter, proclaiming his "crotch was so sore".

Despite all that, or because of it, Tauranga elected him to Parliament, ditching Mr Peters after 21 years.

- NZPA