Civil Union Bill Of Significant Importance

The Human Rights Foundation believes that the passing of the Civil Union Bill is a matter of significant importance to human rights in New Zealand in the twenty-first century. The passing of the Bill tomorrow will help to ensure human rights for all and in particular, it will accord equal rights to a significant minority group within our community.

The Foundation urges members of parliament to vote in favour of the Bill because it is a natural progression to the Human Rights Act which was passed in 1993 and which outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Further, the Foundation reminds all members of parliament that the Civil Union Bill has significant implications for minority groups. As such, it is not appropriate for a referendum to be held to determine the outcome of this issue because inevitably in a democracy such measures tend to favour the interests of the majority.

Moreover, this is why we have other mechanisms such as bills of rights which are designed to protect the rights of minority groups.

Accordingly, the Human Rights Foundation is strongly supportive of this Bill and looks forward to the beneficial effects that it will bring about within New Zealand society.

This media release has the support of

Sir Paul Reeves

Katherine O'Regan

John Bluck, Bishop of Waiapu

George Connor, Bishop of Bay of Plenty

Professor Margaret Beddgood, Chair, Human Rights Foundation

Dr Clive Aspin, Director, Human Rights Foundation

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