Dunne Inconsistent on Civil Unions Bills

United Future Leader Peter Dunne is trying to have it both ways by voting against the Civil Unions Bill, but in support of its companion bill the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill. Mr Dunne gave notice in the civil unions debate on Thursday that he would support the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill when it comes before Parliament next week.

However this Bill is what gives legal substance to the partnerships created by the Civil Unions Bill. Not only this but the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill goes much further because it amends over 100 pieces of legislation to force them to treat all relationships (marriage, homosexual, and de-facto) as equivalent. This is in spite of clear evidence that the married two parent family produces superior social outcomes.

Christian Heritage NZ leader Ewen McQueen said,

“Mr Dunne often informs Christian audiences that United Future is pro-family and implies that they would like to see a public policy preference for the institution of marriage. How then can Mr Dunne now vote for this bill that does the opposite? The Relationships (Statutory References) Bill will further reduce the social significance of marriage by recognising every other form of relationship as equivalent. The Christian / family values constituency did not elect United Future so Mr Dunne could support this sort of legislation.”

The CHNZ leader said the passage of the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill would also make it even more difficult for other parties in the future to put in place policies that positively affirmed marriage. He noted,

“This bill represents another brick in the wall of anti-discrimination policy that now runs through so much legislation, making it almost impossible to do the very thing our society most needs – affirm marriage. If Mr Dunne wants to help rebuild strong family life in New Zealand he should be tearing this wall down, not adding to it.”

McQueen said that the few remaining legal privileges associated with marriage should be reserved for those willing to make the commitment that marriage defined. Making them available to all couples regardless, sent the wrong message to a society desperately needing commitment to be rebuilt into family life.

Ewen McQueen

Leader, Christian Heritage NZ

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