Patrick Goodenough wrote in a March 21 CNSNews.com article:
As New Zealanders marked the one-week anniversary of the worst mass shooting in the country’s history, the state-owned radio and television network broadcast live the Islamic call to prayer, and people were encouraged to wear a headscarf as a “show of solidarity” with the Muslim community.
Both elements of the day’s commemorations stoked controversy.
But Goodenough’s evidence of “controversy” is dubious at best.
Regarding the headscarf, Goodenough wrote that “many in New Zealand and around the world questioned the appropriateness of promoting the Muslim head covering at a time when, for example, Iranian women are being punished for protesting the mandatory wearing of the hijab.” He cited only three people questioning that, two of which were anonymous people on Facebook and a “feminist discussion group.”
Regarding airing the call to prayer, Goodenough wrote:
Brian Tamaki, the sometimes-controversial pastor of a non-denominational Destiny Church in New Zealand, pushed back.
On Twitter, he accused Ardern of abusing her position by allowing the shahada to be broadcast across the nation, saying the move was offensive to all “true” Christians.
Goodenough’s link on “sometimes-controversial” showed Tamaki blaming earthquakes on gays sinners, and murderers — a view that is not merely controversial, it’s downright fringe.
Goodenough did admit that “Tamaki came in for some criticism” and made later statements offering lip service for “respect and love to our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
Goodenough offers no evidence that those critical of these gestures of respect toward Muslims are in the mainstream or majority in New Zealand.