National’s view on ‘births bill’ infectious

Two more political parties have joined National in opposing Labour’s proposed changes to the registration of births, deaths and marriages, says National Party Internal Affairs spokeswoman Sandra Goudie.

National was the only party to oppose the bill during its first reading but is pleased that both United Future and the Green Party support National’s position.

“Labour says the bill is needed to tighten access to public records, which is unproven, and there is also increasing nervousness that this is an unacceptable infringement of freedom of speech.

“We have said from the start that there has been no public consultation on this bill and it poses a very serious threat to public access to births, deaths and marriages information.

“Historians, journalists and genealogists are very concerned that this will limit their ability to do research.

“The Government has arrogantly proceeded with this legislation despite a complete lack of consultation before the bill was presented to Parliament.

“The mounting opposition to the bill will prove to be another nail in the coffin of a lame-duck Government that is increasingly struggling to pass legislation because of their arrogant refusal to listen to any views contrary to their own.”

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