Greens urge equal treatment for same-sex couples

Green MP Metiria Turei today urged the Government to "hold firm" in the line of homophobic fire, following criticism of the Care of Children Bill.

"Opposition parties have been quick to sacrifice the merit and intent of the Care of Children Bill to score cheap political mileage at the expense of same-sex couples," said Metiria, the Green Family Law spokesperson.

"I urge the Government to hold firm on the principles of the bill and not succumb to the implicit homophobia expressed by the other parties.

"We are damning children if we don't recognise the reality of children's lives and the diversity of families who care for them.

"Anyone's choice of sexual partner is not indicative of their parenting skills, said Metiria.

Metiria said she personally endorsed the intent of the Bill in its current form and said she would recommend to the Green caucus that they support the bill.

"We support the provisions for same-sex couples in the Care of Children Bill. Green Party policy fully supports the equal treatment of same-sex couples in legislation.

"If same-sex couples do not have equal treatment in the law I could not in all conscience recommend to caucus that we support the Bill," said Metiria.

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