Minister upset at appointment
The parish minister of a Kamo church has said the Northland Secondary Schools Principals' Association (NSSPA) has not properly considered the behaviour of a school principal before electing him their new chairman.
Reverend Martin Dickson at St Paul's Church in Kamo was surprised to hear of Richard Stanton's appointment as head of the association.
The principal of Pompallier Catholic College has been in the centre of a controversy this year surrounding the standing down of Nigel Studdart after the teacher spoke out against comments the principal made.
Mr Stanton had publicly stated that he opposed the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill for religious and educational reasons.
"Same-sex couples will almost inevitably argue for the 'right' to children. Such a voice is heard now and my fear is that we are moving towards a society where children become an 'entitlement' or 'right' and are, therefore, commodities, or possessions rather than a gift to be received," he continued.
Mr Studdart was stood down the same day some students planned a silent protest against Mr Stanton's comments in the newsletter.
Reverend Dickson suggested children of same-sex parents would not feel safe and supported after the comments Mr Stanton made.
"It seems to me that the association hasn't properly considered his behaviour and what has happened in his school this year," he said.
"Accessibility of education is essential for the future of our children and he doesn't represent that."
Legalise Love have also suggested Mr Stanton's appointment could be a chance for him to publicly retract his comments that same-sex couples see children as an "entitlement".
However, Mr Stanton did not retract any comments previously made about same-sex parents.
Following his appointment he told the Advocate he stood by his comments, adding: "I have never said same-sex couples shouldn't adopt."
Joseph Habgood, Legalise Love spokesman, said: "I definitely believe that anyone can change their views, especially on an issue like this which everyone has an opinion on."
