Here’s something that would likely never happen in the United States…
A photo of the Speaker of New Zealand’s Parliament babysitting for a fellow parliamentary member, who happens to be gay, while he was debating on the floor of the country’s House of Representatives last Wednesday has gone viral.
In the photo, Speaker Trevor Mallard can be seen cradling and feeding a newborn while overseeing the debate in the legislature. The baby, born last month, is the son of Member of Parliament Tamati Coffey and his partner, Tim Smith.
Coffey, who came out publicly in 2009, had just returned from paternity leave and brought his newest family member to work with him. He first introduced his son, Tutanekai, to the world via Twitter last month.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
??? Hey Son. We toiled over your name. We’ve told the tribe, we’ve done your numbers and we’ve come up with ten good reasons why your name should be so.
Kia kaha. Kia ?. Kia manawanui. ??????? pic.twitter.com/yi58xSslDL
— T?mati Coffey (@tamaticoffey) July 12, 2019
Speaker Mallard tweeted the photo of himself and baby Tutanekai along with the caption: “Normally the Speaker’s chair is only used by Presiding Officers but today a VIP took the chair with me. Congratulations @tamaticoffey and Tim on the newest member of your family.”
Normally the Speaker’s chair is only used by Presiding Officers but today a VIP took the chair with me. Congratulations @tamaticoffey and Tim on the newest member of your family. pic.twitter.com/47ViKHsKkA
— Trevor Mallard (@SpeakerTrevor) August 21, 2019
So far, Mallard’s tweet has received over 2,500 retweets and nearly 12,000 likes, and has proven to be quite a hit with the commenters.
This is leadership of the highest order. https://t.co/3IlCE6FEhN
— hend amry (@LibyaLiberty) August 21, 2019
New Zealand….you might be a small country, but you have a huge lesson to teach the world! Great photo!
— ?Beau Beau (@TBeaubeau) August 21, 2019
U r awesome. BTW, should your nation ever considered buying the US? . If u r strapped for cash, I’m all about starting a go- fund- me.
— Lena hammer (@grandmaofanange) August 22, 2019
I understand bringing a child to work isn’t always possible for a number of reasons but I love that in this case, it happened, and the people in that room were helpful and understanding. We need more of that in this world. https://t.co/F2mrBJ0elU
— sai (@Saisailu97) August 21, 2019
A presiding male speaker babysitting for a same sex couple’s child…here in the United States, the GOP’s heads would explode!
— Joseph Winberry (@joseph_winberry) August 21, 2019
These are dark times over here in United States. These beautiful pictures are making my day!
— I am the Kwisatz Haderach (@KimVanMunching) August 22, 2019
New Zealand is just showing off now. Here is the @NZParliament Speaker feeding a male MP’s baby IN THE DAMN HOUSE ? https://t.co/JUMiUvHjAs
— Jenna Clarke (@jennamclarke) August 21, 2019
Related: Gay dad is furious when his son gets a tattoo — until he sees what it is
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Such a shame a Repugnatican politician in this country would never even consider such a touching act, knowing the inevitable vicious attacks from bigoted vile rightwing nutbag smcubags……
JorgeRivera1356
Such a shame a Repugnatican politician in t….- Absolutely agree with you But i am here not only to discuss this article but I would like to share with you new but really amazing site for gay singles only. It is still private, but you can find it easy. Just google: “T7T4kAQkY6Sw5brosBfugu6lu648892” .
Cam
Republicans in America are trying to make it legal to fire people for being LGBTQ. Their hate and bigotry is not the norm worldwide.
Tombear
I can see Trump doing that now for one of his aids! Right!