MP Georgina Beyer says she is unconcerned that the Relationships Bill will now be a conscience vote, and that the gay community has to do more than sit on the sidelines and take potshots at the few MPs in a position to make a difference. "There has never been an easy street in terms of our development and equality over the last 25 years or so," she told GayNZ.com. "I think our expectations are high, but lets be realistic sometimes of gaining what we're able to in an extremely difficult climate right now. "Let's not be seen to be bitching amongst ourselves right now, because they would love nothing more than splits and divisions in amongst ourselves… we're faced with a new challenge, it is not just legislative, it is social and attiudinal… we need to show great pride, solidarity, common sense and articulate well." Ms Beyer would not be drawn on the reasons why the Government has gone back on its promise to make the Relationships Bill a party vote, referring enquiries to the office of David Benson-Pope, which has yet to respond to GayNZ,com's questions.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 16th June 2004 - 12:00pm