Labour MP's knitting in parliament divides opinion
New Zealand Labour MP Deborah Russell knitted during question time, drawing a mixed reaction.
A Labour MP knitted during New Zealand parliament last week. Deborah Russell said knitting helps her focus and signals disagreement.
A poll showed people were split on whether it was acceptable. Knitting has been a form of protest for centuries.
French revolutionary women knitted at executions. Belgian women in World War I reportedly used knitting to track German troops.
In New Zealand, suffragettes knitted in parliament's gallery in the 1880s. More recently, MPs accused each other of showing contempt by knitting in the chamber.
- more than 43,000
- Poll respondents
- around half
- Against knitting
- Marilyn Waring
- First to knit on floor
- 1880 women knitted in ladies' gallery
- Historical parallel
Why it mattersQuiet hobbies can become forms of political protest. The story shows how knitting has served this role from the French Revolution to modern New Zealand.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet. The New Zealand parliament debate echoes arguments in other democracies, including Australia, about decorum and expression in the chamber.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 d ago
