Reflections on Church and State

The event titled "Reflections on Church and State - Marriage Equality" was a discussion held at St Andrew's on the Terrace in Wellington on November 7, 2012. The speakers included Kevin Hague, Louisa Wall, Margaret Mayman, and Paul Franken, who engaged in a conversation about the intersection of religious belief, politics, and the push for marriage equality in New Zealand, particularly regarding the bill led by Louisa Wall.

Margaret Mayman opened the event, celebrating Obama's re-election and framing the discussion around exploring issues related to church, society, and marriage equality, rather than a debate. The context included a broader historical perspective on marriage, the significance and changes in its understanding over time, and the opposing viewpoints within and beyond religious communities.

Louisa Wall spoke about the background of the bill, the relationship between church and state, and the confusions around it. Louisa, who identifies as part of the LGBTQ community, discussed the relevance of marriage equality to personal experiences, religious denominations, and New Zealand's commitment to human rights, highlighting the declaration that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They stressed that the bill seeks to redefine marriages between two people regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity—arguing for equal access to civil institutions and advancing understanding and tolerance within a multicultural society.

Kevin Hague updated the state of the marriage equality campaign and expressed their desire for justice for young LGBTQ individuals. They discussed the challenges facing youths coming out and how recognition of same-sex marriages can contribute positively to mental and physical health. Hague also drew parallels between the current debates over marriage equality and historical opposition to interracial marriages (such as the U.S. Loving v. Virginia case), highlighting similarities in the arguments used to oppose both.

Margaret Mayman addressed the influence of religious voices in the debate, noting that while there is religious diversity in New Zealand, no single religious voice should dominate discussions on sexuality and marriage. They advocated for the right of religious groups to discern marriage eligibility within their traditions while emphasizing the state should not enforce theological beliefs. The discussion recognized the long history of same-sex unions in some cultures and the importance of understanding the institution of marriage as one that has evolved significantly over time.

Paul Franken offered insights on the separation between church and state and how this plays out in marriage ceremonies and the civil contract. Questions from the audience covered topics like the rights of surrogate parents in same-sex marriages and interactions with socially conservative MPs.

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Kevin Hague Louisa Wall Margaret Mayman Paul Franken

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