By 3 News online staff
An Auckland Councillor is in hot water after calling someone a "judgemental little cock" on Facebook last night.
Linda Cooper’s outburst on the Pride Festival’s Facebook page was in response to criticism by Daniel O’Connor, who questioned the presence of two National MPs who had voted against the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill in 2013.
"I thought Melissa Lee and Alfred Ngaro were against marriage equality?" Mr O'Connor wrote.
"If they were supportive they would have voted for our equal rights."
Mr O'Connor went on to accuse Ms Lee and Mr Ngaro of "trying to piggyback on the achievements for what they were directly responsible for trying to hold back".
"Get a grip little boy," Ms Cooper wrote. "When you grow up you will realise that life is not black and white. If you ever have the privilege of serving your country you will find it is not easy and difficult choices have to be made.
"Until then try not to be such a judgemental little cock."
Speaking to GayNZ.com this morning, Ms Cooper apologised for her comment saying she was using the term 'cock' to imply Mr O’Connor was being a "righteous rooster”.
"No anatomical references intended."
She defended Ms Lee and Mr Ngaro's presence at the parade, saying they shouldn't be "persecuted" for exercising their conscience vote.
"Some MPs voted against it. Do we need to persecute them forever for exercising their conscience vote or do we move on happy in the knowledge that the gay members of our community have this equal right?,” Ms Cooper told GayNZ.com.
The Auckland Council confirmed it has received a formal complaint regarding Ms Cooper's comments, saying the remarks will be looked into by its chief executive and "managed in the usual way".
Section 5.8 of the council's code of conduct states elected members must treat others "with respect at all times".
"This means not using derogatory terms towards others, or about others, including in public facing new media," the code states.
3 News
source: newshub archive
