Wed 27 Mar 2013 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Tim Macindoe A conservative National MP will attempt to push through a change to the marriage equality Bill that would allow anyone who provides “goods, facilities or services,” to discriminate against gay couples. Hamilton West MP Tim MacIndoe has been among the most vocal against the Bill, which would give GLBTI New Zealanders full marriage rights. He has said he could not support the bill because of his Christian faith and "difficulty in believing that God wants this change to be made". Just before today’s committee stage hearings, where all MPs debate the Bill and consider amendments, he has put forward a Supplementary Order Paper fighting for the likes of celebrants, florists and caterers to be able to discriminate against GLBT couples who want their services, if marriage equality is against their beliefs. “The purpose of the amendment is to ensure that a person will be able to refuse to supply facilities or services (including solemnizing a marriage) if the marriage is one that is contrary to their beliefs about marriage,” the Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) reads. Labour MP Su’a William Sio has lodged a similar SOP, which does not go as far, aiming to allow any celebrants to discriminate against GLBTI couples, while Winston Peters and Brendan Horan still want referendums. As it stands, the Bill protects religious ministers who object to marrying same-sex couples.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 27th March 2013 - 4:56pm