Press Release

30 May 2012

Gay Adoption Not Our Choice

“The new face of the National Party’’ is not what New Zealanders need, according to Colin Craig, Leader of the Conservative Party.

In response to National’s northern region pledging support for gay adoption, and the Prime Minister’s comment that this is “the new face of the National Party,” Mr Craig commented that “The Conservative Party has become the natural home for all New Zealanders who are social and fiscal conservatives.”

“Last week, we saw yet another budget fail to cut spending we can’t afford, and this week the focus is unnecessary liberalisation of adoption laws,” says Mr Craig.

“Yes the current laws prevent gay adoption, but they also prevent young couples adopting, and there are various other restrictions around singles, polygamy, and non-marriage relationships. The objective of the law is the best outcome for the child. Even with existing restrictions, the waiting list is incredibly long.”

“Given the small number of non-family adoptions in New Zealand, diverting the resources and time of our leadership toward this issue makes no sense.”

“Most New Zealanders recognise gender differences, and think having both a mum and a dad for a child is a good thing. When it comes to adoption, we get to make that choice.”

“I realise we’re becoming the only party that represents a traditional view of New Zealand, one that stands for hard work, personal responsibility, thrift, and adopted children having a mum and a dad, but somebody has to be reminding the government this country was built on values that work.”

“These are values many New Zealanders still hold as being important” says Mr Craig.

ENDS