Wed 27 Mar 2013 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
A bid to allow blatant discrimination against GLBTI couples has been voted down by Parliament tonight, as the marriage equality Bill has been sent to its third reading with no amendments. Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe tried to modify the marriage equality Bill to allow anyone who provides "goods, facilities or services," to discriminate against gay couples who are getting married. During the debate he said he was not a bigot or homophobic, and that his "gay friends" know this. The National MP added that he respects the "many gays" who have contacted him respectfully on the issue. His attempt was voted down by 80 votes to 36. A vigil and counter "support love" rally were held outside Parliament as the MPs debated. Jac Lynch got this shot showing the two sides. Various other MPs put forward Supplementary Order Papers that would give all celebrants the right to discriminate against any GLBT couples they didn’t want to marry because of their personal views. They were all voted down. The Bill already protects religious ministers who object to marrying same-sex couples. During the debate Labour MP Moana Mackey, who was on the Select Committee, said any celebrants with religious views against marriage equality could go to their churches and ask them to “appoint them” as a celebrant for the church, which would give them protection. Winston Peters and Brendan Horan failed in their continued their crusades for referendums. MPs have voted to send the Bill to a third reading, which should happen on 17 April.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 27th March 2013 - 9:52pm