Opponents of legalising gay and de facto unions dominated select committee proceedings in Christchurch yesterday as emotions ran high over the Civil Union Bill.
Moral breakdown and family stability were behind most anti-civil union submissions at the hearings.
However, some supporters said the bill could bring down the high levels of depressionand suicide among homosexual youth.
Philip Sapsford, who opposed the bill, said if marriage was undermined, a downward moral spiral in society would ensue.
"Will bigamy or incest also be allowed by law? The age of consent lowered to 12 years?"
His fears were echoed by Ross Banbury, Papanui Development Trust manager, who said he feared declining standards were sending New Zealand into a "legalised Pitcairn Island" situation.
Richard Tankersley said growing up in a Catholic family and feeling unable to admit he was homosexual had led to thoughts of suicide.
"It [homosexuality] just wasn't on the menu."
He said having a formal framework would let homosexual youth know there was a pathway for them.
Mr Tankersley's partner of one and a half years, Jay Hohaia, could not hold back tears as he told the committee what the bill would mean for him and Mr Tankersley.
"I want this Government to say my life with this man means something.
"Give me the chance, the very same you guys have. If he dies after 30 years together, I can still be excluded by his family for funeral arrangements."
Susette McLachlan, secondary school teacher and member of anti-abortion group Right to Life New Zealand, said she prayed the Government would show the same courage as the Australian Government which would not recognise homosexual relationships, even when they were legally established abroad.
"Homosexuality is an aberration that New Zealanders have already shown their opposition to. It is patently unnatural."
