De facto relationships should have protection and property rights equivalent to married partners, Alliance women's affairs spokesperson Phillida Bunkle said today.

'The Alliance is proposing a comprehensive review of the Matrimonial Property Act to complete the one which has been shelved under this government.'

The policy is part of the Alliance's women's policy which will be launched on Sunday 19th September in Wellington.

'Recognition of de-facto relationships in New Zealand is long over-due.

'It's only fair that partners who share the financial costs of running a home and a family should receive protection and property rights equivalent to those of married partners.

'Any review of the Act needs also to look at the legal status of elderly siblings and family members who share a home for many years, as well as the legal status of same-sex relationships.

'New Zealand society has changed substantially since the Matrimonial Property Act was first introduced. It's time the law caught up,' said Phillida Bunkle.

Yesterday Phillida Bunkle announced another component of the policy, a comprehensive plan to combat violence, particularly against women.

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