The bill objects to certain to "ethnic quotas in public institutions," arguing protections for Māori culture defy "the principle of equal rights."

A vote in New Zealand’s parliament was suspended and two lawmakers ejected Thursday amid debate over a controversial proposed law redefining the country’s founding agreement between Indigenous Māori and the British Crown.

New Zealand MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke stages a powerful protest in Parliament, tearing up a controversial bill and performing a haka dance, igniting a national debate.