Civil union law likely to clear first hurdle

By HELEN TUNNAH, deputy political editor

Helen Clark and Don Brash are expected to become unlikely allies next week in voting for a law to give legal rights to same-sex and heterosexual couples who do not want to marry.

The Civil Union Bill should pass its first reading and be sent to a select committee, but by a slimmer majority than first expected.

The Herald understands the vote, expected next Thursday , will be closer than predicted after some Labour MPs developed cold feet, viewing the bill as an unnecessary political risk.

Labour and National MPs have been given a conscience vote on the proposed law.

Just two political party leaders are expected to vote against the bill: New Zealand First's Winston Peters and United Future's Peter Dunne.

Act leader Rodney Hide will vote for it, as will all Green and Progressive MPs because it is party policy.

Prime Minister Helen Clark confirmed yesterday she would vote for the bill, while National leader Dr Brash said he probably would but was waiting to see the draft legislation.

"I don't see it myself as a threat to the institution of marriage," he said.

"It certainly doesn't threaten my marriage to allow people to choose not to have a marriage but want some kind of formal recognition of their relationship, be they heterosexual or gay."

The bill will allow heterosexual and same-sex couples who do not want to get married to register a civil union to gain legal recognition for their relationship.

There will be a second bill, the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill, to clear up a mass of existing legislation which limits or does not recognise the rights of long-time partners.

Examples include instances where a wife or husband can ask for a partner's body to be released for cremation, but a de facto partner cannot.

United Future has consistently opposed the bill. Act and New Zealand First have yet to formalise their party positions, but both are expected to allow their MPs a conscience vote.

A spokesman for Mr Peters said if the law was tabled in the form expected, he would probably vote against it, as would most NZ First MPs.

Mr Hide said he would vote for it.

What is a civil union?

* It is not marriage, but couples who register a civil union will gain legal rights.

* That includes recognition for the relationship such as when a partner is ill or dies.

* A civil union may be registered by same-sex or heterosexual couples.

* Religious groups will decide themselves if they want to perform civil union ceremonies.

* The new law meets obligations to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.