Wed 27 Mar 2013 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Conrad Reyners There’s delight numerous amendments to the marriage equality Bill have been dismissed by Parliament. The proposed legislation will now go to a third and final reading, likely to be on 17 April. “This was another strong vote for family, love and commitment. It clearly showed that, once again, MPs have voted with the majority of kiwis and boldly stood up for marriage equality. They have voted for love over fear,” says Campaign for Marriage Equality Convener Conrad Reyners. “We are especially proud of those MPs who voted against the many amendments to Bill. Those amendments would have rolled back two decades of important human rights protection, and severely undermined the hard work of the Select Committee — that so many people bravely submitted to.” Reyners says the Select Committee carefully considered all arguments and evidence for and against marriage equality. “Through careful deliberation and consultation with officials and legal experts, it came to a balanced view on protecting religious freedom, while also eradicating discrimination in our marriage law. They should be applauded for their work. “We are tremendously excited about the third reading of the Bill. A successful third reading vote will give Kiwis the ability to marry the person they love, in front of their family, whānau and friends. “Kiwis know that it is time for Marriage Equality.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 27th March 2013 - 10:08pm