"Barack Obama has endorsed marriage equality, now it's time for you to step up and do the same" Young Labour tells New Zealand's leaders

Young Labour Press Release 10 May

For Immediate Release

Following United States President Barack Obama's statement on ABC News endorsing the expansion of the right to marriage to gay and lesbian couples, Labour's youth sector is calling on the leaders of New Zealand's parliament to draw a line in the sand and adopt Young Labour's stance in establishing marriage equality and amending the Adoption Act to include same sex couples.

"Obama's strong and brave commitment to equality and fairness for LGBT rights is something New Zealand's political leaders could learn from. Young Labour earlier this year decided that achieving marriage equality for all New Zealanders is our number one priority", Young Labour's Rainbow Representative Sam Thompson was quoted as saying this morning. "Our Prime Minister has stated that he will not ‘roll back’ any of the gains made for lesbian, gay, bi- and transsexual, queer and intersex couples. That's not enough. Barack Obama has endorsed marriage equality, now it's time for you to step up and do the same."

Young Labour Spokesperson Benjamin Ross also urged leaders of New Zealand's political parties to move swiftly to endorse President Obama's stance. "America and New Zealand have a shared history of fighting discrimination, and President Obama's remarks today are an opportunity for us to work together to promote fairness and equality. If our leaders on both sides of the House do not address this now and endorse marriage equality, New Zealand will be left behind." Ross was quoted as saying today.

"This is not just an issue for LGBTQI youth; this is a human rights issue and a generational one. If our representatives in Wellington really value equality and a fair go, they'll make a commitment to expand the right to marry to everyone who has a partner they love and want to spend their life with."

ENDS

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