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Final Opportunity to Tell Parliament Why Marriage Equality Matters

The Campaign for Marriage Equality encourages New Zealanders to share their stories about why marriage equality matters, before the select committee’s call for written submissions closes tomorrow.

“We know that the vast majority of New Zealanders support Marriage Equality. Now is the opportunity for everyday Kiwis to tell Parliament why having the same laws for all New Zealanders is so important” said Marriage Equality Campaign spokesperson, Conrad Reyners.

“The Select Committee process is a chance for an open, honest and thoughtful conversation about why New Zealand needs Marriage Equality. There is an important human dimension to why Louisa Wall’s Marriage Equality bill is necessary – and the select committee process provides a unique opportunity for these stories to be told by couples, friends, family and whanau.”

In their submission on the Bill released today, the Campaign for Marriage Equality highlighted the vital role marriage plays in strengthening families and broader society.

“Marriage is seen by many as the definitive social expression of love and commitment. All of the evidence shows that married couples live longer, happier and healthier lives. In a fair and inclusive New Zealand these benefits, which strengthen families, should be available to all couples and their children” said Campaign spokesperson, Jeremy Lambert.

The Campaign’s submission also focusses on how marriage has evolved over time to reflect the changing nature of marriage, and how including same-sex couples within the social institution of marriage was consistent with the modern evolution of marriage.

“In the past, married women had no legal identity. Women could not own property, divorce was not permitted under any circumstances, mixed-race marriages were not permitted, and marital rape was allowed. Now we rightly think that these “traditions” are backward and abhorrent. Society has evolved for the better. Marriage equality is just a continuation of the modernisation of marriage” said Jeremy Lambert.

Written submissions on the Marriage Equality Bill close tomorrow at 5:00pm. Submissions can be made through the Marriage Equality Campaign website at www.marriageequality.co.nz/submit.

The Campaign for Marriage Equality is a unified coalition of supporters, campaigners, groups and organisations that are working to support marriage equality in New Zealand and to support the marriage equality bill. More information on can be found at http://www.marriageequality.co.nz/who-we-are.html

A copy of the Campaign’s submission is attached.

ENDS

Submission [PDF]

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