Civil Union Petition Hits 1000

“A fantastic response!” was the response of Conor Roberts, a spokesperson for civilunions.org.nz - the Campaign for Civil Unions. Mr Roberts was reacting to news that his online petition, which was set up in support of the Civil Union Bill legislation, has climbed over one thousand e-signatures.

The petition hit 1000 at 11am this morning and has only been going for a week and a half, its only means of travel is inbox to inbox and can be signed at: http://www.petitiononline.com/civil/petition.html

Mr Roberts said, “The petition is an excellent way for people to show their support for this legislation, which I feel has wide spread support in New Zealand. That is evidenced by the hundreds of supportive comments that people have added to it and can be viewed at the petition site.”

“The most important thing that people can do in support of the bill is go and see their MP or send them a letter detailing why they support the bill.” Mr Roberts said, “It's important that the bills pass because they removes discrimination from our laws. In this day and age it is unfair that gay and lesbian couples are denied the right to the formal recognition of their relationship. Imagine being together with somebody for over twenty years and then being denied the right to view your partner’s body if they are in an accident because you are not considered legal next of kin. This is just one example of the hundreds of pieces of legislation that discriminate against homosexual couples.”

“I support the Civil Unions Bill, because I support equality in our country,” said Mr Roberts.

In addition Mr Roberts said, “The bills recognise the changing nature of relationships. In NZ today there are over 335 000 New Zealanders who identify themselves as having a partner but who are not legally married. This bill will give them the protection, benefits and responsibilities of the legal recognition of their relationships, without the historical and religious connotations that marriage entails.”

“Love doesn’t discriminate and neither should the law, that’s the message we want to send to MPs with this petition” concluded Mr Roberts.

If you would like to find out more about the campaign go to: http://www.civilunion.org.nz Or email: enquiries@civilunions.org.nz

Love doesn't discriminate - neither should the law

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