Thu, 17 June 2004

Civil Union Bill Petition – Media Release. Campaign for the Civil Union Bill

“Love doesn’t discriminate and neither should the law, that’s the message we want to send to MPs with this petition” said Conor Roberts, a spokesperson for the campaign for the Civil Union Bill.

Mr Roberts was referring to an online petition that has been set up in support of the introduction of the Civil Union Bill.

The petition can be signed at: http://www.petitiononline.com/civil/petition.html

“The most important thing that people can do in support of the bill is go and see their MP or send them a letter detailing why they support the bill. It's really important that people get the message out there that this legislation has wide support.”

The Civil Union Bill and the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill will be introduced to the house after delays with the drafting of the legislation.

Mr Roberts said “It's important that the bills pass because they removes discrimination from our laws. In this day and age it is unfair that gay and lesbian couples are denied the right to the formal recognition of their relationship. Imagine being together with somebody for over twenty years and then being denied the right to view your partner’s body if they are in an accident because you are not considered legal next of kin. This is just one example of the hundreds of pieces of legislation that discriminate against homosexual couples.”

“I support the Civil Unions Bill, because I support equality in our country,” said Mr Roberts.

In addition Mr Roberts said, “The bills recognise the changing nature of relationships. In NZ today there are over 335 000 New Zealanders who identify themselves as having a partner but who are not legally married. This bill will give them the protection, benefits and responsibilities of the legal recognition of their relationships, without the historical and religious connotations that marriage entails.”

If you would like to find out more about the campaign go to: http://www.civilunion.org.nz Or email: enquiries@civilunions.org.nz

Love doesn't discriminate - neither should the law

ENDS

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