27 Apr 2013

Rainbow Youth hopes for fee from MP's chat show stint

10:52 am on 27 April 2013

National MP Maurice Williamson is being asked to donate any money he receives if he appears on US talk show Ellen to the Rainbow Youth charity.

Host Ellen DeGeneres invited Mr Williamson to appear after his speech in Parliament last week in support of same-sex marriage went viral on YouTube and social media.

The Pakuranga MP's speech, in which he joked about claims of a gay onslaught and an enormous gay rainbow over his electorate, has been viewed millions of times and there are now versions with Chinese and Spanish subtitles.

Rainbow Youth spokesperson Thomas Hamilton says the charity for young gay and transgender people is asking the MP to promote the organisation if he goes on the show, as well as donate any appearance fee.

A spokesperson for Mr Williamson says the MP is yet to decide whether he will appear on the show and where the fee will be donated.

Prime Minister John Key has given approval for the appearance, as long as the fee is donated to charity.