Internal Affairs say they're pleased with the even spread of newly-registered civil union celebrants across the country, although there remains some doubt as to whether these celebrants may be able to opt out of same-sex ceremonies and only conduct opposite-sex ones. "A licence authorises, but does not oblige, a civil union celebrant or an exempt body to solemnise the civil union to which the licence relates," Internal Affairs spokesman Tony Wallace told GayNZ.com. "We would expect somebody to reasonably carry out the duties of a civil union celebrant. It's a new piece of legislation, and no precedents have been set. If problems arise, then we'll look into it, as there is a power there under the act to review celebrants." Wallace says only a small number of applicants have been turned down so far because they did not meet the requirements. It is not specified in the Civil Union Act that celebrants must be sensitive to issues of sexuality. The list of civil union celebrants is expected to grow over time. For those in outlying areas, Wallace says some celebrants will most likely be willing to travel at least short distances. “We'll be able to determine trends over time in terms of where civil unions are happening, and we haven't ruled out targeted advertising campaigns in the future for attracting celebrants in certain areas,” he says.