Controversy looms with Relationships Bill
Hon Bill English National Party MP
10 December 2004
Controversy looms with Relationships Bill
National MP Bill English says Labour faces a huge hurdle with new legislation that bundles de facto relationships and marriages into one legal framework.
The Civil Union Act's partner-bill, the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill, has been held back by the select committee which is having trouble finalising the detail of the legislation.
"The Civil Union Act will affect very few couples but the Relationships Bill stands to affect anyone in any kind of relationship," says Mr English.
"Under this legislation, all couples, whether or not they are even serious about their relationship, will find themselves with the same rights and obligations as a husband and wife.
"This is social engineering of a far greater degree than even the civil union legislation," says Mr English.
ENDS