Jenny and Jools

This summary covers the recording titled "Jenny and Jools," an episode from RNZ's Eyewitness series. The piece recounts the journey of marriage equality in New Zealand, spotlighting the firsthand experiences of Jenny Rowan and Jools Joslin, who were significantly involved in the fight for legal recognition of same-sex marriages.

In 2013, New Zealand achieved a milestone with the passing of MP Louisa Wall's Marriage Amendment Act that legalized marriage equality, allowing over 2000 same-sex couples to marry. Particularly notable were the efforts of Jenny Rowan and Jools Joslin, a couple who relentlessly pursued their right to marry over several years but were regularly denied by the courts in the so-called Quilter case. Their battle even reached the United Nations Human Rights Committee, ending in further disappointment.

Jenny and Jools faced great emotional tolls during these legal battles, each feeling devalued by the system making them second-class citizens. They witnessed hateful opposition to their cause, specifically remembering the impact of marches against their rights. Despite all this, the pair married legally in Canada and continued to push for change at home.

Years later, in 2012, the atmosphere began to shift when Labour MP Louisa Wall's bill for marriage equality entered parliament. A sense of support from the global LGBTQ community signaled a ripe moment for progress.

As the bill progressed, it faced its share of opposition, with some MPs emphasizing the importance of traditional definitions of marriage. However, the third and final reading of the bill was a momentous event, with memorable contributions like Maurice Williamson's "Big Gay Rainbow" speech, and previously unsupportive MP John Banks's surprising declaration in favor of the bill. The triumphant outcome was celebrated uproariously in the Parliament when the bill was passed, a significant leap for LGBTQ rights in New Zealand.

Despite the win, Jenny and Jools were content with their Canadian marriage and did not feel the need to marry again in New Zealand. Nonetheless, the feeling that more work was required for true equality remained dominant.

The recording underlines the progress and ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ community in advocating for their rights and suggests that societal change involves personal risks and honest conversations within families and communities. The key message is the power of continuous advocacy and resilience in the face of opposition when fighting for social justice and equality.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Brian Tamaki Jenny Rowan John Banks Jonathan Young Jools Joslin Louisa Wall Maurice Williamson

1990s, 2010s, aotearoa new zealand, brian tamaki, canada, gay, jenny rowan, john banks, jonathan young, jools joslin, justin gregory, kapiti coast district, lesbian, louisa wall, marriage, marriage amendment act (2012), marriage equality, maurice williamson, member of parliament, quilter case (1996)

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