Three Labour MPs voted against the inclusion of defacto relationships in the Property Relations Bill last night with the
crucial vote passing by a majority of just four.
In a conscience vote on the inclusion of defacto relationships under the provisions of the controversial bill Labour MPs
Geoff Braybrooke, Janet Mackey and Dover Samuels voted against the bill promoted by Attorney General Margaret Wilson.
All other MPs voted along party lines with NZ First, National, United Future NZ and ACT voting against the provision,
and Labour, Alliance and Green MPs voting in favour. The final vote was 62 in favour to 58 against a majority of just
four votes.
Under a conscience vote MPs are free to vote as their conscience directs them.
A later vote held on the inclusion of same-sex relationships in the bill saw several National MPs including Jenny
Shipley and Tony Ryall voting in favour and the vote passed 74 votes to 39.
Explaining her decision Mrs Shipley said that it would have been inconsistent to oppose the inclusion of same-sex
relationships in the bill once Parliament had already approved the inclusion of defacto relationships.