Opponents lose row over de facto bill

National MPs failed in Parliament last night to delay implementation of Government legislation that extends the property rights of married couples to those in same sex and de facto relationships.

The Property (Relationships) Amendment Bill is due to come into effect on February 1 next year.

The substantial clauses in the bill were dealt with in November under conscience votes in the House.

Then MPs voted by a big majority to extend property rights to same sex couples, but by a majority of onlyt four to give those rights to de facto couples.

When the committee stage debate resumed in Parliament yesterday, opponents of the bill from National and Act argued that more time was needed to explain the measures to those who would be affected by them.

National MP Tony Ryall tried to amend the bill so it would come into force on December 1, 2003. His attempt was defeated 66-52.

His National party colleague Anne Tolley tried to delay its implementation until three years after its final stage in Parliament, expected this week, and that was voted down 66-51.

Opponents of the bill renewed their attacks on it during the committee stage debate.

The legislation sets three years as the test time for a de facto relationship, the same as for married couples, but Ms Tolley and others argued that it should be five years because de facto relationships were more fragile and people could be trapped.

National MP Wayne Mapp said the duration of a marriage could be proved, and he asked how that proof would relate to a de facto relationship because it would be difficult to establish when it began.

"The Government is living under an ideological tent that isn't in the real world," he said.

"With five years, only stable relationships would be affected."

Other MPs said that would force people into a married status when they had chosen to live in a de facto relationship.

People would be able to opt out of the property rights when the bill came into effect, but National MPs said that would cost about $2000 in legal fees.

Associate Justice Minister Margaret Wilson, who is piloting the bill through Parliament, said the issues had been around for several years and the bill had twice been to a select committee.

"We are acknowledging a deficiency," she said.

"We are trying to provide a remedy for people who have made a contribution to a relationship.

"The law is catching up with what is happening in society.

"I'll do everything I can to make sure people know about this."

Last night National was threatening a long debate on the committee stage of the 195-page bill.

A publicity campaign will be undertaken ensure that people understand the provisions of the bill before it becomes law.

- NZPA