Passing of Relationships Bill another step to ending discrimination in New Zealand

The passing today of the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill was another important step towards ending discrimination in New Zealand, says Associate Justice Minister David Benson-Pope.

Mr Benson-Pope reiterated the Government's commitment to human rights. He said introducing the Relationships and Civil Union Bills into Parliament had been a Labour election manifesto promise.

The passing of this legislation was made all the more significant because the issues were treated as conscience issues in Parliament and passed because of cross-party support.

"There is no place in New Zealand society for this kind of discrimination," said Mr Benson-Pope. "These Bills were always about justice and fairness and Parliament was right to back them."

Mr Benson-Pope thanked his Parliamentary colleagues from all parties who supported the Relationships Bill, which passed its third reading today with a roughly two-thirds majority.

© Scoop Media