1 March 2005

Campaign for Civil Unions welcomes report back of Relationships Bill

The Campaign for Civil Unions today welcomed the report back of the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill by the Justice Select Committee. Campaign convenor Cameron Law said "the Campaign is pleased to see the Bill as reported back is true to its original intent. By recognising civil unions throughout New Zealand law this Bill removes a major source of discrimination which has persisted up until now despite the passage of the Human Rights Act in 1993, some 12 years ago."

Mr Law noted that this move was consistent with traditional kiwi values of fairness and equality and urged MPs to pass the Bill. "The moral debate has already been played out over the Civil Union Bill and resulted in the recognition of same sex relationships in law. The Relationships Bill is simply about treating all relationships fairly including civil unions and de-facto relationships for the benefit of both the couple concerned and the wider community. It is about giving everyone the same rights, benefits and obligations"

Mr Law added that "the obligations attaching to de-facto couples is a complex area and we are pleased to see that it is being referred to the Law Commission".

ENDS

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