The passing of the Care of Children Bill is a good sign, but we shouldn't read too much into it regarding the possible future of the Civil Union Bill, says Associate Justice Minister David Benson-Pope. However, the Minister sees some encouraging signs. "I believe the encouraging aspect of Parliament voting down the quite undesirable aspects of mandatory parental notification was the willingness of the House to examine the issue on the strong evidence that was presented," he told GayNZ.com. "In a similar way, I believe my colleagues on all sides of the House are keenly looking at the detail of these Bills and are generally accepting of the necessity for this important human rights legislation." Benson-Pope is confident there is enough support in Parliament to pass the Civil Union Bill.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 11th November 2004 - 12:00pm