NZCN Press: Marriage definition best left alone
New Zealand Christian Network is earnestly asking politicians to set up a Royal Commission to investigate properly the
issues involved in the marriage definition amendment bill.
This is not an insignificant bill. It is a bill with potentially enormous sociological and economic implications for New
Zealand society.
In nearly every area the government requires a strong evidential base before proceeding with policy changes which might
have such a major impact on society. This bill is of such significance that a Royal Commission is needed to investigate
it properly rather than the usual select committee process or a referendum.
The issue certainly involves far more than equal treatment for homosexual people. If it were only that, then the matter
might be more simple.
Instead it involves the issue of human rights for children, both adopted and produced by artificial reproductive
techniques. The limited research available does suggest that there are better outcomes for children raised by biological
(heterosexual) parents compared to same-sex parents.
This bill also involves the redefinition of a word that has a specific and clear meaning, which achieves little other
than creating confusion around the word and the importance to society of the institution it describes.
If such a definition is changed, then it will require the invention of another word to describe the unique meaning which
the original word had.
The role of members of the New Zealand House of Representatives is to represent the interests of all New Zealanders not
just those of particular minority groups.
By confusing marriage with other forms of civil union, the bill would undermine the unique importance of marriage in
society. Marriage is a union based in the natural order which has been fundamental to human societies throughout
history.
If politicians take the step of treating marriage as something which can be redefined at whim rather than recognising
its natural-based dimension, then there is no rational argument which could be used to oppose any other variation which
a minority group may push for in the future.
Furthermore, those who hold a contrary view would be naive to believe they will not be subject to various forms of
coercion by the State to conform if the definition is changed.
The important question people and politicians must ask is “would this law change really be in the best interests of New
Zealand long-term – will it really be for the common good?”
In our opinion, the answer is “no”.
A more detailed statement will be posted on our website in the near future.
New Zealand Christian Network is a broad-spectrum network of churches and Christian leaders, with a Board of Reference
that includes leaders from all the main denominations. It seeks to present a biblically orthodox position on issues,
reflecting the views of the majority of Christians in New Zealand.
ENDS