Campaign for Marriage Equality Welcomes Start of Select Committee Hearings

The New Zealand Campaign for Marriage Equality welcomes the start of the select committee hearings on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill today, and congratulates MP Louisa Wall for being asked to present the first oral submission in support.

"It's fantastic to see Louisa being given the opportunity to open the oral submission process. This is important recognition for a person who has championed marriage equality so passionately and courageously," said Auckland Spokesperson, Jeremy Lambert.

"This Bill will improve the lives of thousands of New Zealanders, from many different family backgrounds. New Zealander's know that marriage is about love, it's about strengthening families, and it's about treating all New Zealander's fairly and equally; no matter who they are," said Lambert.

The Campaign for Marriage Equality is looking forward to the Select Committee process getting underway. Prior to submissions closing it worked hard to ensure that every New Zealander had a chance to formally have their say.

"We are absolutely delighted with the response from New Zealand's many diverse communities and families." said Wellington Spokesperson Conrad Reyners.

"More than 10,000 Kiwis submitted in favour of marriage equality. Many are eagerly awaiting the chance to sit down in front of the Government Administration Select Committee and tell its members exactly why marriage matters," said Reyners.

The Government Administration Select Committee is now hearing submissions on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage Amendment) Bill. The Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch branches of the campaign are providing supporters with information and guidance on the select committee process and how to appear before the Committee. For more information contact the campaign organisers here http://www.marriageequality.co.nz/get-involved.html

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

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Arguably Reassuring: Inspector-General Finds GCSB "Arguably" Legal

Of the 88 individuals:

• 15 cases involving 22 individuals did not have any information intercepted by GCSB.

• another four cases involving five individuals were the subjects of a New Zealand Security Intelligence Service warrant and the GCSB assisted in the execution of the warrants. The Inspector-General is of the view that there were arguably no breaches and the law is unclear.

• the Bureau only provided technical assistance which did not involve interception of communications, involving three of the individuals, so no breach occurred.

• the remaining cases involved the collection of metadata, and the Inspector-General formed the view that there had arguably been no breach, noting once again that the law is unclear.
More>>