Civil Union Bill passes but debate continues - 10-Dec-2004
The Civil Union Bill passed its third and final vote today by 65 votes to 55, only a week after the second reading. Debate on the Civil Union Bill has raised the profile of family and marriage in New Zealand - which is long overdue. Our hope is that the support for marriage and family shown by an unprecedented number of submissions will encourage future law and policy initiatives to promote the value of marriage.
Thank you to everyone to made the effort to make a submission to the Select Committee and took the time to contact MPs. Our website will soon display MPs final votes on the Bill. The companion Relationships Bill is requiring substantial amendments and is not expected to be reported back until well into the New Year. While the Civil Union Act will only provide for a ceremony and registration, it is the Relationships Bill that intends to grant rights and responsibilities equivalent to marriage. For the long term interests of children in New Zealand, it is vital that marriage is invigorated in law and culture.
Discuss this article in our on-line discussion forum: http://www.maxim.org.nz/discuss/?topic=140.1
Ref:
- Maxim Institute
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