Anton Blank from Ririki A Maori child advocacy agency says marriage equality would be a positive step for Maori children and whanau. Ririki Executive Director Anton Blank says many Maori children are now raised by gay couples and singles. “Sanctioning gay marriage sends an important signal to our tamariki and whanau,” he says. “Being gay is not an alternative lifestyle, it is normal and gay Maori should have the same rights as anyone else.” Blank says 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,” he says. “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.” Blank says Ririki us thrilled to see a majority of Maori politicians supporting the 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.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 30th August 2012 - 11:35am