Marriage comments cynical and confused

David Benson-Pope's suggestion that politicians enter marriage to 'remove barriers' is a typical approach from this cynical government, says National's Families spokeswoman, Judith Collins

"I am appalled by these comments and insulted by the insinuation that many of my colleagues and I might have married for anything less than a desire to commit in the name of love.

"I think it's sad that Mr Benson-Pope takes this view, a view that seems to be shared by Helen Clark. "I wonder what Mrs Benson-Pope thinks about this?

Mr Benson-Pope claims that civil union will be more attractive than marriage to many couples because it is not 'loaded with religious associations', in the way that traditional marriage is.

"But marriage in New Zealand is actually a civil ceremony, many people chose to get married without the involvement of the church," says Ms Collins.

"At a time when Labour is looking to make marriage an option for even younger people, without the need for parental consent, they aren't painting a very pretty picture of it at all".

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