the many people who will come after us in this House, I believe that if this legislation does not pass today, it will eventually pass.”
Dr David Clark, MP
Same-sex marriages may become legal in New Zealand should a Member’s Bill be passed.
Dr David Clark, MP, (Labour) said: “The strongest support for marriage equality that I have experienced has come from the age group most likely to be engaging in marriage in the future. It is for those people who will be inheriting and carrying forward the institution of marriage that I am supporting the Bill.”
by passing this Bill, we not only change the definition of marriage, we change its meaning and the fundamental basis of marriage. This change will have enduring ramifications for future generations.” He said he “would implore everyone on both sides of the argument to keep the conversation safe, respectful, and dignified”. Mr MacIndoe recalled: “I
believe that a major purpose Su’a William Sio, MP In opposing the Bill, Su’a
William Sio, MP, (Labour) told Members: “This is a matter that is very sensitive for many in my constituency. Within the Pacific and faith communities, even within my own family, within the fa‘afafine fraternity, and even within the Pacific same-sex community, it is a difficult issue, and the views are very divided.” If Parliament is to change this long-held standard of marriage between a man and a woman
legal rights of gay and de facto couples.” In his view, “if more protection is needed—and it may be—it should be achieved by amending that legislation, not the Marriage Act”. He also referred to a joint
Mr John Hayes, MP
of New Zealand’s civil union legislation…was to protect the
statement from “numerous national heads of major church denominations, both Catholic and Protestant”, which “urged Parliamentarians ‘to take seriously that, for a very significant proportion of the New Zealand public, marriage is more than just a legal agreement
Rt Hon. Winston Peters, MP
or social contract, but has a sacred character to it, and that many people—Christian and otherwise—feel very strongly that the nature of marriage should not be interfered with”. Mr John Hayes, MP,
(National) said: “It is obvious these issues expose a much deeper question for churches and the wider community: what ought to be the involvement of the state in what are essentially religious and spiritual sacraments.” For the Leader of New Zealand
First, Rt Hon. Winston Peters, MP: “Such a major legislative change should be based on the collective will of the people, not 121 temporarily empowered members of Parliament. New Zealanders should make these decisions collectively, as a nation.” In his view, “the only way to test and determine that is by way of referendum”. After a personal vote was
exercised, the Bill passed its first reading by 80 votes to 40 and was referred to a select committee for scrutiny.