Grant Robertson is urging people to call out bigotry and racism to make sure values of inclusion, equality, and equity are held up.
In light of the recent nightclub shooting in Oslo, Norway and the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade, the Deputy Prime Minister wrote in a Facebook post that the "forces of hate and bigotry seem to be on the rise".
"At one level I feel like I don't want to overstate or amplify them. It's just a small minority, right? Most people want women to have the right to choose, don't they?" Robertson said.
"It was a lone gunman overnight in Oslo as the city prepared for its pride parade who went on a rampage at a gay bar killing two and injuring others, wasn't it?
"The anti-vax guy in a public meeting last week who yelled at me that he was going to 'f***ing get you, you homo c**t', he is not representative of a great movement is he?"
But Robertson said the answers don't matter, instead the response does.
"As we view with horror the decision by the US Supreme Court to take away reproductive choice from millions of women, as we hear about another hate-motivated crime against the gay community, or attempts to marginalise the trans community our response must be one to stand together and support and protect each other."
He said people need to stand up, organise, and make sure rights aren't just protected but enhanced.
"If you see bigotry and racism, call it out, even if it is not directed at you. If you know someone is dangerous or is saying things that are threatening, don't let it slide by, report it. And make sure that the people you elect will uphold the values of inclusion, equality and equity."
Robertson added he believes that New Zealand can lead the way and Kiwis are "for the most part" fair-minded and generous.
On Saturday, following the US Supreme Court ruling on abortion rights, Robertson said it was a "distressing day".
"I am thinking of, and standing with all those who will be hurt, harmed or affected by this dreadful decision," he said.
"I am pleased we made the progress we did last term, but what has happened in the USA reminds us all that we must be vigilant to protect the hard-won gains."
The Government decriminalised abortion in 2020 with the passing of the Abortion Legislation Bill. It shifted the regulation of abortion services to the Ministry of Health and enabled abortion care to be provided in a wider range of settings.
