Date: Sun, 31 Aug 1997 02:44:53 -1000 From: lambda@aloha.net (Martin Rice) Subject: SA 176: N.Z. MEDIA RELEASE -- Monday 1st September, 1997 Aloha kakahiaka kakou. It's "tomorrow" in New Zealand. Along with this case and the Vermont case, the Alaska and New York cases are beginning to show signs of public revival, and another case in the planning stages (they've requested anonymity for the time being), we'll be able to marry somewhere soon, if not in Hawai`i. NATION-WIDE MARRIAGE APPEAL LAUNCHED TODAY "Just because" -Minister of Justice, Hon Doug Graham, when asked why he objected to same-sex marriage "Treating homosexual and heterosexual de facto relationships as the same as marriage is sensible and consistent" -Justice Baragwanath, President Law Commission 15 August 1997 This Wednesday and Thursday (3 & 4 September) Jools Joslin and Jenny Rowan, along with Lindsay Quilter and Margy Pearl from Auckland and Sarah Anderson and Sam Court from Christchurch, are taking their case for legal recognition of their relationships (under the Marriage Act 1955) to the Court of Appeal. Last year Judge Kerr, at the High Court in Auckland ruled against their right for legal recognition stating that any decision on interpretation of the Marriage Act should be made by Parliament. However, in 1995 the same Act was interpreted to include transexuals resulting in full legal marriage rights and protection for transexuals, but not for same-sex couples. The issue has raised serious concerns about equality of legal rights and protection for lesbian and gay relationships under our Bill of Rights and the Human Rights Act Amendment. The ruling of this week's Court of Appeal, New Zealand's highest court, in Wellington will challenge Judge Kerr's decision on legal grounds and in the context of the current human rights legislation in this country. The outcome of this case has implications for us all. Currently, the only piece of legislation in our country that provides full legal recognition and protection of relationships is the Marriage Act. Although this Act is gender neutral, currently the Registrar General prohibits same-sex couples from registering their relationships under this Act. Our choice now is either to rally in support of legal marriage or to concede the issue, have no choice of marriage, and remain second-class citizens in New Zealand. The couples involved in the case undertook a major fundraising exercise last year that netted enough funds to cover the 1996 High Court case, with $7,000 in the bank for the Appeal case. Unfortunately, just this week, they were advised that a further $8,000 is required to cover legal costs to take this case to the Appeal Court. We ask you to please consider making a donation to the costs of this case. Cheques made out to 'Parity in Law Fund' or provide your credit card details below. Post to Box 122 70, Wellington. *More info available on-line at http://www.base2.co.nz/agm/agm.html or http//www.gap.org.nz/newsletter MORE INFO & COMMENT: Jools Joslin, Ministry of Health Telephone 04 496 2441 wk, 04 475 3663 hm Jenny Rowan, Commissioner, Planning Tribunal Tel 04 04 915 8300, 04 475 3663 hm Nigel Christie, Law Commission, Tel 04 473 3453 wk, 04 389 0420 hm, 025 819 648 ___________________________________________________ GAP is Australasia's largest business & professional network proudly supporting gays and lesbians. Box 122 70, WELLINGTON 6038 Fax: +64 4 472 22 26 GAP INFOline +64 4 472 5006 Email gap@nz.com http://www.gap.org.nz