22 February 2018

Labour 'appalled' after Iranian delegation refuses handshake with female MP

An Iranian agricultural delegation has refused to shake the hand of New Zealand's female counterpart, Labour MP Jo Luxton.

In return, at least one male Labour MP refused to shake hands with the delegation.

Ms Luxton told NZME the incident made her feel uncomfortable but said she understands she deals with issues of cultural difference as an MP.

She was meeting the delegation as deputy chair of the Primary Production select committee.

Two of Ms Luxton's colleagues Kieran McAnulty and Rino Tirikatene leapt to Ms Luxton's defence.

Mr McAnulty refused to shake hands with the delegation in solidarity with Ms Luxton. [Newshub] Read more