Media Statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 7 December 2004

Smith: Next it will be same-sex couples adopting children

Those pushing the Civil Union Bill will next push for same-sex couples to be allowed to adopt children, United Future's Murray Smith said today.

The move would be entirely consistent with the Government's expressed intention to amend all laws that it believes perpetuate unfair discrimination, Mr Smith.

"Unfortunately what it so often calls 'unfair discrimination' is a country mile away from the view of the average New Zealander. It is social engineering and it is about changing our nation, our values, our lifestyle and our standards.

"However, unfortunately, as in the case of civil unions, where the reality is a form of same-sex marriage, it is pursued in a quite devious way.

"Kiwi don't want same-sex marriage and they certainly don't want moves towards same-sex couples adopting children," he said.

Mr Smith tackled the sponsor of the Civil Union Bill, Associate Justice Minister David Benson-Pope, in Parliament today, raising the issue of moves towards same-sex couples adopting children.

Ends.

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