The NZ Herald has taken a lesson in "morality" from what it terms the "moral minority", and their consensus is clear: gays are immoral. Herald reporter Simon Collins trekked across the country canvassing 600 voters about their concerns. Only 7% overall identified "moral issues" as a concern for them at this year's election, and GLBT citizens are the definition of a moral issue for these voters. 49-year-old Joseph Brown says homosexuality is against God's law. He's voting for Destiny because it stands for "the morals of the country". Middle-aged civil servant David says: "I believe the family unit is vital, but we seem to be going against it," But of course, he continues: "I have nothing against homosexuals. But to say that it [a civil union] is a stable relationship for children - I say that's not what was intended." Arapuni farmer Owen Emmett agrees: "I'm quite disappointed in the lack of support of family issues with things like civil unions," he says. "It's deteriorating [the moral climate]. And it's supported from Government." "Moral" issues were a higher concern for those living outside of Auckland. Timaru resident Aaron More has reached a conclusion about this: "People down here have more time for each other," he says. "The further north you go, the more people are just into themselves."
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 17th August 2005 - 12:00pm