New Zealand in quandary over de facto couples
Publish date: 14 March 2005
Issue Number: 1295
Diary: Legalbrief Today
Category: Labour
MPs in New Zealand are grappling over the provisions of the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill which aims to give partners in same-sex relationships and those in civil unions the same rights at married couples.
However, same-sex de facto partners will escape being treated as couples for social welfare purposes for a further two years, reports the New Zealand Herald. This will give the government time to figure how to deal with couples who keep their same-sex relationships secret. The Bill is designed to amend laws in the wake of the passing of the Civil Union Act. Full report in the New Zealand Herald
