New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Subtly Calls The Oppn Leader 'Karen' During Question Time In Parliament

Parliament sessions are known for their snarky remarks between the ruling party and the opposition. And it was no different when during a feisty exchange in Parliament during Question Time, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern nailed an argument against her Opposition leader.

The Prime Minister did not hold herself back from speaking her mind.

Twitter

During a debate about the country's proposal hate speech laws, Ardern cleared the air on whether you would be sent to jail for calling someone a 'Karen' online.

The term 'Karen' became popular after an internet meme that went viral last year. Generally, believed to be an insult, 'Karen' refers to an entitled White woman who unabashedly use her privilege to make unreasonable demands.

While the whole conversation seems outrageous to begin with, New Zealand's Opposition leader Judith Collins expressed concern about the possibility and took to Twitter to say the same.

"Will calling a middle-aged white woman a 'Karen' now be a crime under Jacinda Ardern's law?" wrote Collins on the microblogging website.

Will calling a middle-aged white woman a ¡®Karen¡¯ now be a crime under Jacinda Ardern¡¯s law? https://t.co/nDiMOU7NLB

¡ª Judith Collins (@JudithCollinsMP) June 29, 2021

Ardern's Labor government has been setting up new and increasing punishments for people who incite or normalise hate speech, which was a recommendation from the Royal Commission after the Christchurch terror attack.

While most of the people welcomed the stricter penalties for online trolls who encourage hatred, Collins was worried about where the limit will be drawn and whether people could be punished with a fine or in jail for a minor insult.

When the same was discussed during Question Times, Ardern swiftly cleared out any misunderstandings and said that people would still be able to use the Karen slur without consequences. However, she also took a subtle dig at Collins.

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"I also disagree with that statement, and I also, as it happens, disagree with the Member's statement on Twitter that somehow it will become illegal to call someone a 'Karen'," the Prime Minister said in Parliament.

"That is absolutely incorrect and I apologise. That means these laws will not protect that Member from such a claim."

Is Jacinda giving us a pass to call Judith Collins ¡°Karen?¡± pic.twitter.com/oUIHX9d5j7

¡ª Shaneel Lal (They/Them) (@shaneellall) June 30, 2021

The Parliament witnessed laughter from the members and Collins had to take a back seat for a moment. She said she wanted another chance to take a dig at Ardern. However, she held herself back as she believed it was "too cruel".