Gay marriage a positive step for Maori children and whanau
Media release, 29 August 2012

Maori child advocacy organisation Ririki supports Louisa Wall’s gay marriage bill.

“This is an important step for our whanau,” Executive Director Anton Blank said today.

“Many Maori children are now raised by gay couples and singles. Sanctioning gay marriage sends an important signal to our tamariki and whanau. Being gay is not an alternative lifestyle, it is normal and gay Maori should have the same rights as anyone else.

“The Civil Union Act was a step in the right direction, but because it does not have the same legal status as marriage, it positions gay Maori as other. When we have total equality, our integration into whanau will be complete.

“Research tells us that gay teenagers have higher rates of depression and suicide. We must continue to validate homosexuality and gay relationships, and create tolerance in whanau. Hatred of homosexuals breeds violence in whanau.

“We are thrilled to see a majority of Maori politicians supporting this bill. We support Louisa as she champions this bill. Louisa has been an important ally of Ririki and has supported our advocacy on behalf of Maori children.”

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