Paul Kearns writes, in his submission to the Select Committee considering the marriage equality bill,: I support marriage equality for all New Zealanders and I support the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill. I urge you to progress this Bill. People choose to marry for many reasons, including legal, social, being in love, emotional, financial, spiritual, family arranged and religious. For me the greatest of these is love, and the passing of this bill will allow me the opportunity to choose to marry my partner of 11 years. I have never considered Civil Union as an equal nor elegant option. I guess my relationship is based upon that modelled by my parents, one of commitment, fidelity, communication and longevity; marriage. The sanctity of marriage is strengthened by the removal of the historical discrimination against same sex couples. Recognising the commitment of all couples who seek marriage is good for society and good for individuals. Marriage equality validates same sex relationships as equal under the law. Rather than a negative effect this can only be positive for the mental health of many, many young people who question their sexual orientation and those who may later identify as gay or lesbian. Limiting the legal institution based upon religious bias is short-sighted, mean-spirited and grossly unfair. Progressing the Marriage Equality Bill strengthens our New Zealand cultural identity and our standing in the world as a progressive and modern society. Ironically, it also affirms the reality of life for many early NZ (European) settlers. Large numbers of men often co-habited around gold, coal, timber and shipping prospects. ‘Crew life’ onshore was accepted as were the caring bonds some men formed with each other. Captain Cook was no exception. Progressing this Bill honours the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi for all tangata whenua and tangata tiriti, especially article 3. This affirms the important social significance and honours the implicit assurance that social rights would be enjoyed equally by Māori with all New Zealand citizens of whatever origin. Marriage is a legal institution that should be open to all New Zealanders. All kiwis are equal before the law, and our legislation should be fair, equal and should not discriminate. I urge you to support the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, and to vote for it at its second reading vote. Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi, Paul Kearns Paul Kearns - 20th January 2013