New Zealand is moving forward….

Changes around the world regarding gay rights are starting to form and New Zealand is taking part. In July 2012 labour MP Louisa Wall drafted a Bill called “Marriage Amendment Bill”. The Bill is aimed to ensure “that all people regardless of  sex, sexual orientated, or gender identity will have the opportunity to marry if they so choose” (“Legislation”, n.d.).  In her reading to parliament, Wall explained that New Zealand’s Human Right Act refers to all citizens and people of New Zealand equally under the law. However, at the moment same gender couples cannot receive a marriage licence from the State (Marriage Amendment Bill, 2012).

Wall argues that if the Bill passes and becomes law there will be two consequences.;one, same sex married couples will be able to adopt children; and two, it will enable same sex couples to choose how they will be married, whether it is a cultural, religious or civil ceremony. Throughout the Bill, some statements are for and some against the marriage amendment. One statement was very powerful for me. The statement was made by National Member of Parliment Nikki Kaye; “When I look to the future of this country and the many people who will come after us in this House, I believe that if this legislation does not pass today, it will eventually pass” (Marriage Amendment Bill, 2012). This sentence gave me hope.

As I continue to read I began to realise the power of New Zealand people. I understand that the change in the law is within the hands of the people. A poll carried out by TVNZ showed that 63 % of New Zealanders supportsthe Bill, and two thirds support the concept debate on what is marriage. Rt Hon Winston Peters (Leader of NZ First) stated, “There is no reason why the public should be denied the opportunity to decide the outcome of this debate.” I believe it is the right of the people in this county to express their values and beliefs. They have the right whether or not to show their support. The first reading passed with 80 Aye votes. 

In March 13, 2013, parliament came together for the second reading of the Bill. Wall talked about values and focused on equality, stating ”to be valued for who we are”. She explained that the Bill is about marriage equality and not about gay marriage. Wall stated “We all must be allowed to love each other with honour… In focusing on value I am drawn to the lyrics of American musician Ben Haggerty, better known as Macklemore, in his song 'Same Love.'

And I can’t change

Even if I tried

Even if I wanted to

I can’t change"

(Marriage Amendment Bill, 2013).

We cannot ignore the other side of this debate, involving those who view marriage from a more historical perspective, with strong Christian values. For Tim MacIndoe (National MP from Hamilton West) “Most societies have believed and most religions have taught, for thousands of years, that marriage is a sacred institution between one man and one woman who are over a certain age and not committed to any other relationships” (Marriage Amendment Bill, 2013). 

The second reading was passed with 77 in favour and 44 against. A third and final reading could come as early as 17 April, 2013 (being the next member's day after 27 March). “If the Bill passes its third reading, it will then go to the  Governor-General to receive the Royal Assent, on which it will become an official Act of Parliament (the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013)” (“Same-Sex Marriage”, n.d.).

With this in mind, I was thinking about my brother and my own life. I come from a different country with different values, beliefs and religion. After reading and summing up the different perspectives of this Bill, I wander what will happen next. I also wander if same sex families are valued within the early childhood sector. How does early childhood education deal with diversity?

References:

Legislation. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.parliament.nz/en-

            NZ/PB/Legislation/Bills/2/c/4/00DBHOH_BILL11528_1-Marriage-Definition-of-

            Marriage-Amendment-Bill.htm

Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill — First Reading. (2012). Hansard and 

            Journals, 683, 4913. Retrieved from http://www.parliament.nz/en-

            NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/a/c/d/50HansD_20120829_00000032-Marriage-Definition-

            of-Marriage-Amendment.htm

Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill — Second Reading. (2013). Hansard and 

           Journals, 688, 8523. Retrieved from http://www.parliament.nz/en-

           NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/1/4/0/50HansD_20130313_00000036-Marriage-Definition-of-

           Marriage-Amendment.htm

Same-sex marriage in New Zealand. (n.d.). Retrieved  April 4, 2013, from
          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_New_Zealand