Minister uses profanity in Parliament to protest against misogyny

Thursday 15 May 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 15 May 2025, 6:21pm

In this story Brooke van Velden

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden used a profanity during question time to protest a newspaper column that targeted her and other female ministers. The incident has sparked debate regarding the word's offensiveness and marks the first recorded use of the slur in Parliamentary transcripts since 1990.

How they headlined it

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1. 1NewsThu 15 May 2025, 11:52am

   Why is it still so unacceptable to say the C-word? (opens in new tab)

2. StuffThu 15 May 2025, 1:17pm

   The first time Parliament heard the C word (opens in new tab)

3. RNZThu 15 May 2025, 6:21pm

   Linguistics expert explains why the c-word 'still has the ability to shock' (opens in new tab)