1 March 2005
Campaign for Civil Unions welcomes report back of Relationships Bill
The Campaign for Civil Unions today welcomed the report back of the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill by the
Justice Select Committee. Campaign convenor Cameron Law said "the Campaign is pleased to see the Bill as reported back
is true to its original intent. By recognising civil unions throughout New Zealand law this Bill removes a major source
of discrimination which has persisted up until now despite the passage of the Human Rights Act in 1993, some 12 years
ago."
Mr Law noted that this move was consistent with traditional kiwi values of fairness and equality and urged MPs to pass
the Bill. "The moral debate has already been played out over the Civil Union Bill and resulted in the recognition of
same sex relationships in law. The Relationships Bill is simply about treating all relationships fairly including civil
unions and de-facto relationships for the benefit of both the couple concerned and the wider community. It is about
giving everyone the same rights, benefits and obligations"
Mr Law added that "the obligations attaching to de-facto couples is a complex area and we are pleased to see that it is
being referred to the Law Commission".
ENDS