08 August 2004
NZ First Calls For Referendum On Civil Union Bill
New Zealand First MP Edwin Perry has called for a public referendum to be held on the Civil Union and Relationship
(Statutory References) bills.
The Justice and Electoral committee has been hearing submissions on both bills, which would allow same-sex and de-facto
couples to legally register their relationships and have rights equal to those of married couples.
“Many of the submissions received by the committee argue that the issue of civil union is too important to be decided on
by 120 MPs,” said Mr Perry.
“It is an issue that a lot of people feel strongly about. Many are divided over what the legislation could mean for the
nation as a whole.
“As part of New Zealand First policy, we believe that issues major affecting New Zealanders as a whole should go to a
referendum.
“The Civil Union Bill should not be a Government decision, but rather one that is left to the people to decide,”
concluded Mr Perry.
ENDS