Muslim MP Ashraf Choudhary has sent a letter to constituents explaining his decision not to vote on the Civil Union Bill and his abstention last year on the Prostitution Reform Bill.
The Palmerston North-based Labour list MP said yesterday it was one of many he had written since he entered Parliamentin 2002 and was given the job of representing ethnic minorities by Prime Minister Helen Clark.
"It's just a way of keeping in touch with them," he said.
Dr Choudhary said he had no problem with being the country's first Muslim MP, despite criticism from members of the Muslim community over his stances on prostitution and civil unions.
He said "more enlightened" Muslims - those who had either been born in New Zealand or who had lived here a long time - supported his views.
But there were others who needed "educating" in the New Zealand way of life and looking at issues.
In his letter, Dr Choudhary says he has received "lots of support" after he did not vote on the first reading of the Civil Union Bill, which has been sent to a select committee for public consultation.
He also says he is aware he represents a constituency that has "rather a conservative/traditional view of life".
Dr Choudhary has previously explained that while he believes in protecting the rights of minority groups, he must consider the attitude of the Muslim community.
