Submissions at the select committee hearing for civil unions in Christchurch yesterday saw messages of support from two Presbyterian ministers, one transgender and one gay. "They [civil unions] do not diminish the sanctity of marriage for those who wish to embrace that relationship,” said transgender Presbyterian minister Christina Loughton. "The ability of religious groups to continue with their own theological, faith view of marriage as being solely for those whom they view as man or woman is not changed in any way." Gay Presbyterian minister Ross Scott said the bill would strengthen the institution of marriage. When a relationship was formed and supported by state, community and family all marriages were strengthened, he said.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 7th September 2004 - 12:00pm