In its Media Release issued today Family First NZ says that a Research NZ poll shows that support for same-sex marriage has dropped to less than 50%, down 11% from a similar poll in 2011.
“Only 49% of the 500 respondents said that they were in favour of same sex couples being allowed to marry. This is down from 60% in a July 2011 poll by the same research company,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
“Earlier polling of 1,000 NZ’ers through independent research company Curia Market Research found greater support for maintaining the definition of marriage as a man and a woman. All this suggests that there is still debate to be had on this issue.”
“What Research NZ didn’t ask – and could have – was whether NZ’ers felt that the availability of Civil Unions dealt with the issue of same-sex couples who wanted their relationship legally recognised. Some respondents who answered yes to same-sex marriage may believe that this option is sufficient without redefining marriage.”
“It is perfectly possible to support traditional marriage, while also recognising and respecting the rights of others. There is absolutely no need to redefine marriage to provide legal recognition and protection for committed same-sex relationships. In 2004, the government introduced Civil Unions and changed over 150 pieces of legislation to achieve this very thing.”
“In the US, polls have also shown support for same-sex marriage increasing, yet in 32 states where the issue has been on the ballet, voters have rejected it. Experts have said that the phrasing of the question can determine the outcome of the poll,” says Mr McCoskrie.
“Gays and lesbians have a right to form meaningful relationships – they just don’t have a right to redefine marriage. The state – which did not invent marriage – has no authority to re-invent it.”
2012 poll:
http://www.researchnz.com/pdf/Media%20Releases/RNZ%20Media%20Release%20-%20Same%20sex%20marriage.pdf
2011 poll:
ENDS
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