16 March 2005

Relationships Act based on flawed ideas

“The Relationships Act passed by Parliament last night is based on the flawed idea that Civil Unions and Marriage are equivalent and should be treated the same in law,” says Maxim Institute Communications Director, Scott McMurray.

“Civil Unions are not equivalent to Marriage and consequently should not have the same rights and responsibilities as marriage conferred on them.”

“Civil Unions are a trendy invention that imitates a historical and proven institution,” says Mr McMurray.

There is no evidence to suggest that Civil Unions will provide the same benefits to society as marriage, yet they have been granted equal status and rights in law.

“This legislation was not about discrimination. It was about enforcing the government’s doctrine of equality in relationship law,” says Scott McMurray.

“The reality is that relationships which are different should be treated differently in law.”

“In the process of debasing marriage, the government has also missed the chance to truly recognise the diversity of relationships by adopting next of kin laws that allow any two people to register for their mutual benefit.”

“This is bad law based on flawed ideas that will not benefit New Zealand in the long-term” says Scott McMurray.

ENDS

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