The President of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation says the union is making a submission for marriage equality because it aims to oppose injustice and inequality wherever it impacts on the health and well-being of New Zealanders. “Unfortunately, discrimination against the gay community results in extremely high rates of suicide and harm, especially for young gay (or questioning) people,” Nano Tunnicliff says. “By supporting the Bill we will be a part of removing that discrimination and we hope that a more inclusive society will result in fewer deaths and less harm.” The comments follow claims from a conservative anti-equality group that the union is misrepresenting its members’ views, and some aren’t happy about the stance. However Tunnicliff says the board knows not every member will support every decision the organisation makes. “We are a member-led organisation, governed by a democratically elected Board of Directors. The Board sets the strategic aims,” she says, encouraging members to get involved and influence the organisation’s processes. “NZNO is guided by its vision and strategic aims when it makes decisions about which campaigns and which legislation to support,” she continues. “NZNO's support of the Marriage Amendment Bill is clearly covered by our strategic aims. We oppose injustice and inequality wherever it impacts on the health and well-being of New Zealanders.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 24th October 2012 - 9:19am