Thousands sign petition protesting John Key's rapist comments

John Key came under fire for comments he made in Parliament. Photo / Getty

More than 13,000 people have signed a petition in protest at Prime Minister John Key's controversial comments about rapists.

Labour MP Poto Williams and Green MP Jan Logie will accept the petition on Parliament's steps this afternoon.

They were among several women MPs who admitted they had been sexually assaulted and were personally offended by John Key's remarks earlier this month.

"We have asked the Prime Minister to apologise for the offence his comments have caused survivors of sexual violence and withdraw the statement," Poto Williams said.

During a debate about detainees on Christmas Island, Mr Key accused Labour and Green MPs of "backing rapists" at the offshore detention centre.

When he refused to apologise the following day, women MPs staged a walk-out from the debating chamber. Some women MPs who interjected were kicked out of the House. The incident was covered in news media around the world.

Speaker David Carter ruled that Mr Key's comments were unparliamentary, but did not make the Prime Minister withdraw them because no MP had complained at the time.

Mr Key was unrepentant, saying he did not need to apologise because he was a strong advocate for victims.