National Party MPs to show their hand

Prominent MPs will have to show their hand when the gay marriage equality Bill gets its first reading tonight.

Prime Minister John Key has already pledged his support to the Bill, despite the fact he voted against the Civil Union Act in 2004.

“There will be plenty of people in our caucus who will be deeply opposed – particularly the very religious ones, and I can understand that,” he said.

“I think it’s quite healthy that New Zealand has the debate, I suspect it won’t be what it was when you looked at homosexual law reform in the 70s.”

The private member’s bill which will legalise same-sex marriage was drawn from the ballot.

Within the National Party itself, there are some internal politics at play.

A Party insider said there is disagreement between  conservative and liberal members, causing fractures.

 The issue is said to be whether the Party modernizes.

The source said they thought New Zealand’s oldest political Party would stick to its roots, however at a conference, a policy remit passed allowing for same sex adoption.
It was passed 60% for 40% against, approximately, by a show of hands.

National MP for Hamilton East David Bennett thinks it is up to the individual to decide what happens, “it is a personal vote,” he said.

He believes half the National party will vote in favor, half against.

David said he will be voting against the Bill, mainly because it changes the Adoption Act.

The Bill will impact adoption, allowing same sex couples to adopt under the Adoption Act 1955.

“A gay couple adopting isn’t a problem, it could be a disadvantage to others who are trying to adopt,” Bennett said.

There is a lot of emotion around the Bill, with church ministers opposing and MP’s doing U-turns with votes.

The general policy statement says that a marriage is a union of two people regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

•  Owners of The Family First  website, which was critical of gay marriage,   let the domain lapse. Internet surfers clicking of the link are now automatically redirected to the   marriage equality website link www.marriageequality.co.nz.