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Lesbian discontent over civil unions

Sun 20 Jul 2003 In: New Zealand Daily News

Not all gays and lesbians are pleased at the announcement of civil union legislation, and some have not been hesitant to voice their opposition in the media. Tighe Instone told the Manawatu Evening Standard she can't understand why lesbians would want to be part of a “failed” institution and resents marriage being “imposed” on lesbian and gay couples. At present, Work and Income pays out individual benefits because same-sex relationships are not recognised, and Instone is concerned about the legislation affecting this. "Under this new bill, if I lose my job, I then become dependent on my partner. I object to depending on anyone for anything from tampons to toothpaste,” she says. “Lesbian relationships are also different from heterosexual relationships. How are they going to accommodate the flexibility and difference in legislation?" Jools Joslin, who unsuccessfully petitioned the High Court to grant a marriage licence for her and her partner in 1996, is opposed for a different reason – she doesn't believe it goes far enough, and feels it will create a separate standard for gays and lesbians. "It's a copout," she says. "The point they have missed is equality. We've had our marriage and we want it to be recognised."    

Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff

First published: Sunday, 20th July 2003 - 12:00pm

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