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Rationalists and Humanists welcomes Bill
16 March 2005
Rationalists and Humanists welcomes Bill
The NZ Association of Rationalists and Humanists welcomes the passing of the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill into law, by a commanding majority of Parliament.
Couples in committed relationships will now be able to enjoy the public recognition and legal rights to which they are entitled, regardless of whether they are able to marry or wish to do so.
Parliament is to be congratulated for not surrendering to the hordes of spiteful moralisers and bigots who opposed this legislation. Instead, Parliament reflected the fair-mindedness and decency of the majority of New Zealanders.
We confidently predict that, despite the dire warnings made by opponents, the status of marriage will be unaffected and many more couples will enjoy happiness together. We are also confident that no wrathful god will cause New Zealand to be afflicted by earthquakes, tsunami or plagues of locusts as a result of this legislation passing.
Once again, New Zealand has shown the world an example of how to make progressive, humane legislation. We should all be proud to live here.
ENDS
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