Christians for Civil Unions have hit back at the fundamentalists who have opposed the Bill with a last-minute hate campaign. "They incite hatred and denigrate the lives and relationships of gay and lesbian New Zealanders. While they make claims to be Christian, they bear little semblance to the kind of respect and love for persons shown by Jesus Christ," says spokesperson Rev Dr Mayman. Catholic bishops have weighed in this morning with threats to the livelihood of MPs. In a letter to be read at all parishes this Sunday, parishioners will be asked to take note of which MPs vote for the Bill so they can be punished at the next election. Mayman says the bishops are entitled to make whatever statements they wish. "But Christians have the responsibility to act according to their own consciences. Fifty-nine per cent of New Zealanders support the legislation and I imagine Catholics are well-represented in that group," she says. Meanwhile, the Maxim Institute has taken a leaf out of the Jehovah's Witnesses book and is reportedly knocking on MP's doors.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 2nd December 2004 - 12:00pm