National MP Richard Worth has been called "crazy" for proposing an amendment to the Civil Union Bill that would effectively allow for legal recognition of incestuous relationships. Explaining his amendment on the Paul Holmes breakfast show this morning, Worth explained that it would allow for situations like two elderly sisters living together to have their relationship recognised. “Are you crazy? Excuse me? Have you gone crazy?” Holmes spluttered. “Why would two sisters go and form a civil relationship?” Worth immediately backed down, saying he had given Holmes an “extreme example”, but insisted that there were many relationships not covered by the Civil Union Bill, and his proposal would cover next-of-kin and hospital visitation issues for a wider group of people. The elderly sisters example was the only one given. Holmes disputed that siblings or family members have any problems being let into hospitals, and asked Worth if his amendment was similar to the failed attempt by a handful of Conservative MPs in Britain to amend the Civil Partnerships Bill to include siblings. Worth claimed he hadn't heard about that. Worth's amendment would remove any ceremonial trappings from the Civil Union Bill. Holmes said it fell far short of what supporters would want. "This is a nonsense, this is nothing! What's the point of it?" he asked. Holmes asked Worth why it was a bad thing to send a message that all long-term relationships, gay or straight, should be supported. Worth said he didn't want same-sex relationships being seen as akin to marriage. ACT MP Stephen Franks and United Future leader Peter Dunne are also backing the incest amendment.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Monday, 6th December 2004 - 12:00pm