Winston Peters urges reversal of conversion-therapy ban and labels abortion as possible murder

NZ First leader Winston Peters told Family First host Bob McCoskrie that he hopes the 2022 ban on conversion therapy will be reversed and warned that abortions, depending on timing, could “shade into murder or assassination.” He stopped short of committing to a policy platform to overturn the law. National Party leader Christopher Luxon, speaking in Kapiti, reaffirmed his 2023 pledge that his administration will not alter the conversion-therapy ban or abortion regulations.

Labour campaign chair Kieran McAnulty characterized Peters’ remarks as a diversionary tactic, noting the campaign’s focus remains on cost-of-living issues. Simeon Brown, National campaign chair, was mentioned as likely sharing similar views. The exchange underscores ongoing cultural debates ahead of the upcoming election.