Civilising acts
As the first couples prepare for their civil unions this weekend, we should remember that, like other pieces of socially progressive legislation, this was one that only succeeded because of Green support.
Gaynz.Com interviewed Metiria yesterday on the Civil Union Act and more generally about the so-called “social engineering” agenda that Labour and its progressive-minded allies have pursued in the last few terms.
The report reads:
Recent Opposition attacks on women and gays in power are unjustified, says the Green Party, and civil unions are not “social engineering.�
Green MP Metiria Turei suggests that the recent attacks by the Opposition can be seen in a positive light. “[They are] simply a cry of frustration from those upset that traditional power structures are being challenged,� she told GayNZ.com. “I think the backlash is actually an indication that we are moving towards a freer, more democratic and socially conscious society.�
She says enacting civil unions was merely a recognition of social change that has already occurred, not social engineering. “Across our country, and indeed the world, communities want legal recognition of same-sex relationships and the opportunity for heterosexual couples to have their status formalised without having to be married,� she says.
April 29th, 2005 at 12:13 pm
Asian Flu
In another blog item, the Greens claim credit for getting Civil Unions passed. Certainly their support was needed, but so was the support of those liberal National and ACT MPs who voted for it. No one party can claim credit for getting the law passed.