MPs offer opposing views on Civil Union Bill's importance

Scott Watson's marriage, infidelity in marriage, and a gay recruitment drive were all issues canvassed in a wide-ranging debate yesterday on the second reading of the Civil Union Bill. The bill, which allows same-sex and heterosexual couples to formally register their relationship under law, is expected to be passed next week in a conscience vote. The following are extracts from some of yesterday's speeches.

Don Brash: National leader - No

Despite the fact that many of us have failed from time to time to honour the institution of marriage in our own behaviour, most people continue to recognise that that institution is fundamental to our society, in particular to the nurturing of children.

If a referendum is held, let me be clear, I would vote in favour of allowing same-sex couples to form some kind of legally binding relationship. I myself am heterosexual, but I am not homophobic.

I do not regard homosexuality as a terrible sin but rather a predisposition that some people are born with. As far as we are aware, Jesus Christ never spoke of homosexuality let alone condemned it.

But a decision to provide in law what is essentially a form of marriage to same-sex couples is a decision which all adult New Zealanders should have a right to express a view on and for this reason I will not be voting for this bill.

Moana Mackey: Labour - Yes

Those opposed to this bill claim allowing gay people access to a parallel structure will bring marriage into disrepute. Yet in reality we're not at all choosy about whom we allow to marry.

I did a search on some websites: The Maxim Institute, Destiny Political Party, Society for the Promotion of Community Standards and the United Future Party.

How many press releases did I find criticising the radio station competition wedding of two people who didn't even know each other? None.

How many press releases did I find criticising the marriage of Scott Watson, a convicted murderer, whilst in prison? None.

Apparently it's only when gay people want to do it that all of a sudden there's this grave concern for the reputation of marriage even where the relationships are as loving and committed as the best heterosexual unions.

Brian Connell: National - No

Despite all the rhetoric to the contrary, this is about homosexual marriage. I could respect the proponents of this legislation if they could at least accept that fundamental fact and come clean.

For all the talk about gay relationships and their sustainability, the facts are these: They are notoriously volatile and they want us to accept those as mainstream.

What they are looking for is not understanding; this is the hard sell of the homosexual community. This is a recruitment drive.

Dail Jones: New Zealand First - No

My views are not necessarily a Christian view, but are also based on the fact I was born and brought up in a Muslim country, Pakistan.

Some of the standards required of Muslims, namely respect for the elderly, respect for the family, respect for the male and female relationships and high standards of decency, must have rubbed off on me.

Nandor Tanczos: Green - Yes

Christianity was debased when it became the state religion of Rome, and continues to debase itself when it tries to align its interests with those of the state.

This is a pluralist society, with a democratic and secular Parliament. It is vital that we uphold and protect that.

In that context it was a dangerous and unwise course taken by the Catholic bishops yesterday in attempting to direct Catholics how to vote.

If the Catholic Church wants to return to its past of wielding direct political power, it will find modern society considerably less malleable.

And if the Catholic Church wants to intervene in the political process, it may tempt politicians to intervene in the affairs of the Church.

Georgina Beyer: Labour - Yes

I cannot accept the devaluing of the families of same-sex people as has been done throughout the debate nationally and in this House.

We have the same values as any family in this country from heterosexual couples. I will not accept the children of same-sex couples going to school today and being questioned about the value of their family.

It is as vital and as valuable as any heterosexual family in this country.

George Hawkins: Labour - Yes

I joined the Labour Party because it was against discrimination.

I was privileged to be New Zealand's first Minister of Ethnic Affairs and I saw how people were discriminated against trying to get jobs.

Those barriers need to be taken down.