Relationship Services and Family Planning have weighed in with their support for the Civil Union Bill, saying the recent 1000-signatory support ad shows middle New Zealanders are unthreatened by the prospect of people in love being able to register their relationships in a way that complements, rather than challenges, traditional marriage. "Increasingly," says Dr Gill Greer, Family Planning's executive director says: "Countries with societies, government and social structures very similar to our own recognise that civil recognition of relationships outside the traditions of heterosexual marriage, is an issue of fairness, justice and human rights. There is no evidence that such recognition weakens marriage in any way." Jeff Sanders, chief executive officer for Relationship Services, says: "There are many diverse forms of committed, loving and healthy relationships and families in our society – healthy relationships are the domain of all people, they are not confined to a particular sexuality, institution or cultural tradition." Both organisations believe the passage of these Bills will enhance family unity, community wellness, public health and the protection of children.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Monday, 29th November 2004 - 12:00pm