Civil Union Bill passes second reading - 3-Dec-2004
The Civil Union Bill, which would enable couples, both opposite-sex and
same-sex, to formalise their relationships, passed its second reading in conscience vote in Parliament this week, 65 votes to 55.
Associate
Justice Minister David Benson-Pope, who is leading the Bill through the
House, says the Civil Union Bill will help foster a positive human
rights culture in which people, regardless of their sexual orientation,
are shown the dignity and respect, to which they are entitled. Although
the bill deals equally with de facto heterosexual relationships,
same-sex couples do not have the option of marriage, so David
Benson-Pope says for them the availability of civil union takes on an
even greater importance. A third and final reading of the bill is
expected before Christmas.
Ref:
- Beehive Bulletin
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