Civil Union Bill's debut this month, says Clark

The Government is inching ever closer to introducing the controversial Civil Union Bill.

The long-overdue legislation seeks to create a new form of legal relationship - a registered civil union - that would apply to same-sex relationships and heterosexual couples.

Prime Minister Helen Clark confirmed yesterday that the bill would be introduced this month.

United Future leader Peter Dunne has suggested that the bill might not survive its first reading.

Both National and Labour will allow their MPs a conscience vote on the issue and Mr Dunne told the Herald that both caucuses were deeply divided over the bill's merits.

Associate Justice Minister David Benson-Pope said the Civil Unions Bill and its associated legislation, the Relationships Statutory References Bill, would both pass their first legislative hurdle - the first reading - within the next fortnight.

Also yesterday, Helen Clark said the Cabinet was still working on a proposal for an inquiry into race relations and the Treaty of Waitangi.

The work had dropped down the priority list as ministers had worked to finalise the Budget and the foreshore and seabed policy.

- NZPA