Maori MPs suspended over haka
New Zealand lawmakers have approved the suspension of three Maori members over a traditional haka dance during last year's session.
Their performance, staged in November, was in protest of a controversial bill that would have reinterpreted a treaty protecting the indigenous Maori people. Opponents warned it could undermine their rights. The bill was later voted down.
A parliamentary committee recommended the suspension saying that the members' actions could have intimidated other lawmakers.
Parliament voted on Thursday to suspend two of the lawmakers for 21 days and 7 days for the third. The vote followed hours of arguments as opposition parties were against the decision, while the ruling conservative coalition supported it.
Officials at the Parliamentary Service say it's the longest suspension in decades.
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