Christians For Civil Unions Welcome Relationships Bill

Media Release - 8 March 2005

A spokesperson for Christians for Civil Unions in Wellington, Rev Lynne Frith, welcomes the work of the Select Committee on the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill.

She says that many Christians recognise the need for people in Civil Unions to have their rights and obligations protected in law. Rev Frith believes that specifying the type of relationship, whether marriage, civil union, or de facto, acknowledges that there are different kinds of committed relationships, all of which deserve protection in law.

The Bill sets right inequities and injustices. It means that couples in Civil Unions and de facto relationships are no longer subject in law to discrimination and humiliation in vital areas of their lives. In a society that places great value on stable, secure, loving, respectful and committed long-term relationships, this can only be beneficial.

Rev Frith notes that there is further work to be done, particularly to do with the legal recognition of people living in a close personal, but not de facto, relationship, and is pleased that such outstanding matters have been referred to the Law Commission.

ENDS

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