Victory for equality and fairness (Politics and Law e-news)

This week, two thirds of Parliament voted for marriage equality. This is a victory, not just for people who are gay, lesbian or have different gender identities, but for our democracy. Email not displaying correctly? View in browser Politics and law e-news Email newsletter on law and order, justice & courts, police, corrections, human rights, Treaty of Waitangi, state services Sign up for news by topic Get a regular wrap-up of news in these topic areas: Economy Environment & Resources Fairness & Society Health & Food International Relations Politics & Law Sign up for Greenweek weekly or monthly digest general news wrap-up from the Green MPs Change subscriptions Talk to MPs Catherine Delahunty Dave Clendon Denise Roche Eugenie Sage Gareth Hughes Holly Walker Jan Logie Julie Anne Genter Kennedy Graham Kevin Hague Metiria Turei Mojo Mathers Russel Norman Steffan Browning Feedback Reply to this email with your views Follow us   www.greens.org.nz Kia ora Waikato This week, two thirds of Parliament voted for marriage equality. This is a victory, not just for people who are gay, lesbian or have different gender identities, but for our democracy. I am proud that all 14 of our MPs voted to support this bill and I'm looking forward to the day that this law passes and all adults in New Zealand are able to marry the person they love. Kevin Hague, Green Party MP Take action Have your say on MMP   The Electoral Commission have released their proposal paper on the future of MMP and are accepting public submissions on their proposals until Friday 7 September. Find out more and have your say Events This Sunday: Keep NZ GE Free public meeting with Steffan Browning Held in conjunction with the vigil organised by Organics NZ in Rotorua. Come along and hear Steffan Browning MP; Jon Carapiet, spokesperson GE Free NZ; and Dr Elvira Dommisse, former Crop & Food Scientist. Rotorua Sunday 2nd September 2:00pm - 3:30pm 'Inside Child Poverty' documentary screening and discussion with Holly Walker Come and see the documentary that lays bare NZ's most pressing issue. Carterton Thursday 27th September 7:30pm - 9:30pm View more events Human rights: Marriage equality There will be no electoral backlash against MPs who support Marriage Equality Blog post by Kevin Hague In the lead-up to the First Reading of Louisa Wall’s marriage equality bill, all MPs are receiving quite a lot of mail and email on both sides of the debate. A point frequently made by opponents of the reform is that they won’t vote for MPs who support the Bill. Read more... Catholic Bishops over-reach on marriage equality Blog post by Kevin Hague It's not a surprise that the NZ Catholic Bishops have chosen to oppose Louisa Wall's Bill for marriage equality. Read more...   Kevin Hague speaks on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill Speech by Kevin Hague MP, 29 August 2012 Your vote on this bill will stand against your name for ever. Watch video or read transcript... Human rights: Immigration Green Party minority view - Immigration (asylum detention) Bill Blog post by Jan Logie The stated purpose of this bill is to effectively manage the mass arrival of irregular migrants and to make New Zealand a less attractive destination for people-smugglers. The examples given by the Minister prior to the introduction of the bill, of a freighter carrying 500 asylum seekers that made it to Canada and a recent boat entering Australian waters saying they wanted to come to New Zealand, do not make a mass arrival by boat in New Zealand any more likely. Read more... Lobbying Govt funds pro GE-lobbyists jamboree Media release, 29 August 2012 "The hosting of this conference in New Zealand, and the fact the Government is supporting this conference financially shows, an intent to push genetic modification," said Mr Browning. Read more... Treaty of Waitangi Waitangi Tribunal report adds to crisis in asset sales agenda Media release, 24 August 2012 The National Government's asset sales agenda is in crisis and it is time to give it up, Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman said today. Read more... Privacy Privacy across all departments needs checking Media release, 24 August 2012 A review of how government departments protect New Zealanders' privacy is needed after damning reports into ACC yesterday revealed wider concerns, the Green Party said today. Read more... Family court Family Court - Fundamental protection Blog post by Jan Logie Currently the Courts in Auckland are in a real mess, due to a completely bungled new system for processing Family Court cases. Â The Law Society is saying that In some cases protection orders aren’t being served, cases are being delayed and case files are being sent to the wrong places. Read more... Parliament Wondering how well-behaved we might be: reflections on conduct in the NZ Parliament Blog post by Kennedy Graham There was an exchange in the House last week that occasioned some media interest and concern from the public. It took the form of some theatrical antics by cabinet minister Paula Bennett, which prompted a rebuke from the Speaker, Dr Lockwood-Smith. Read more... Parliamentary behaviour Blog post by Gareth Hughes This week the Speaker revealed he has been receiving numerous emails about "absolutely disgraceful" behaviour in the House. Read more... Human rights   Kevin Hague speaks on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill Speech by Kevin Hague MP, 29 August 2012 Your vote on this bill will stand against your name for ever. Watch video or read transcript... We'd love to hear your views on our email newsletters. Simply reply to this email and let us know your thoughts. 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