Should gay marriage be legalised in NZ?

3:26 PM Thursday Jul 26, 2012

Digital image / P.K. Stowers

An online petition opposing the legalisation of same-sex marriage has been signed by nearly 20,000 people in its first week.

Conservative lobby group Family First launched the petition on its protectmarriage.co.nz website last Monday, as part of its campaign against the marriage equality bill put forward by Labour MP Louisa Wall.

The petition statement reads: "I support the definition of marriage in New Zealand being maintained as one man one woman. I oppose any attempt to redefine it."

Note: You have to vote 'yes' or 'no' below or we cannot publish your comment.

Should gay marriage be legalised in NZ? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

Ethan (New Zealand) | 03:59PM Thursday, 26 Jul 2012

Marriage is legal recognition of a union between two people. There are rights and priveledges under law for this union. Why should some benefit and others not? No discrimination in this country please.

Jim_B () | 03:59PM Thursday, 26 Jul 2012

Of course it should! It is offensive that the National MPs were quoted saying things like 'it's no big deal' or 'I am focussed on the economy'. This is just a dog whistle for their ultra-conservative supporters.

Good on the Greens for saying they will back it as a party!

CityLimits (New Zealand) | 04:00PM Thursday, 26 Jul 2012

It's a human rights issue. Freedom of choice, freedom of expression - what's wrong with that? I have yet to read one rational argument against it.

Unfortunately, when it comes to rights, our Government has failed so many times and clamped down on freedom. I greatly fear the naysayers will win this.

We have increased Police powers, Copywrong Legislation, anti smoking crazyness, more maltreatment of the poor- all supported by all the Parties. Nasty, punitive laws against the people driving us deeper into poverty while a small number cream off the money.

The asset sales will punish us all for generations to come.
Gay marriage should be passed immediately. But it won't will it John?