Pope Benedict's criticism of New Zealand's civil union legislation as a "secular distortion of marriage" has sparked a strong retort from MP Tim Barnett, who says the Pope's comments are a result of ignorance. The openly gay Labour MP asked the Catholic community to remember that marriage itself has not changed, and that gay and gesbian New Zealanders have the same level of involvement in religion as the general community. He believes the legislation will have no effect on church attendance or secularity. Barnett spearheaded the Civil Union Bill, a significant step forward in glbt human rights, despite strong opposition from some religious groups. He says he is not surprised the Pope does not like gay unions, but is disappointed that he has not been better informed on the subtleties of the legislation.