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Destiny

Mon 16 Aug 2004 In: New Zealand Daily News

Destiny New Zealand leader Richard Lewis is unconcerned about including children in hate marches against gay marriage, as he believes none of them are or will turn out to be gay. When asked what would happen if one of the young Destiny marchers struggled with their sexuality later in life, Lewis replied, “I can't see those children struggling with those issues because their parents are together in their marriage and their commitment to each other, and are leading by example." Dr Margaret Mayman, a Wellington Presbyterian minister and spokeswoman for Christians for Civil Unions, said it was exploitative to take children to such events. Mayman will join a human rights rally organised to counter the Destiny demonstration next week. Her group, including gay people with children, will not be involving their kids. "Whether (Destiny) likes it or not, a significant portion of those children will grow up to be gay or lesbian,” she says. “It really is a very dangerous and damaging message that they're sending. I just hope the children become aware the people on the other side (of the debate) are human beings with families who share a lot of the values they (Destiny) purport to represent." A 12-year-old participant in last week's rally at Aotea Square said she was "standing up against the bad people" when asked why she was marching by reporters.    

Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff

First published: Monday, 16th August 2004 - 12:00pm

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