Catholic church puts ban on civil unions

Gay couples wanting to take advantage of new legislation allowing civil unions may be able to have a church ceremony - but not in a Catholic church.

Catholics have banned the controversial ceremonies from their churches, but with the Civil Union Act due to come into effect on April 26, the Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches have not yet settled on their policies.

Catholic priests will not be permitted to conduct civil unions for either heterosexual or homosexual couples.

Catholic Communications director Lyndsay Freer told the Herald on Sunday that the status of marriage was "diminished by making any other kind of relationship its equivalent".

The Church did not see the purpose of civil unions for heterosexual couples, she said.

"What's the difference between civil unions for heterosexual couples and marriage? If you get married in a registry office it's a civil ceremony, so why would a heterosexual couple prefer a civil union to a marriage?"

In a letter late last month, Catholic bishops opposed civil unions, saying they had "grave implications for New Zealand" and were not necessary to ensure civil rights.

The Campaign for Civil Unions would welcome any church decision allowing civil unions.

Spokesman Michael Wallmannsberger said churchgoers who supported civil unions should make their views known to church officials.

Ron Malpass, president of the Methodist Church, said the debate would not necessarily be about same-sex couples.

"The broader issue is that it's a civil union now. The Church provides Christian marriage ... my own personal view is that if a person wants a civil union now, why would they want it in a church?"

The Methodist Church was unlikely to forbid individual ministers from officiating at civil unions, although they would be expected to consult about the use of buildings.

Assistant Bishop of Auckland Richard Randerson said views were divided.

Anglicans might not set their policy until the synod in 2006. At the last synod they officially acknowledged the contributions of gay and lesbian church members.

Registered marriage celebrants - including priests or ministers - do not automatically become civil union celebrants, but have to apply.

Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist are the largest Christian denominations in New Zealand, with more than 1.7 million adherents.

THE STORY SO FAR

Jun 2004: Impassioned speeches are made in Parliament as the Civil Union Bill passes its first reading 66-50.

Aug 2004: 5000 people converge on Parliament for Destiny Church's 'Enough is Enough' rally, protesting the moral decline of society.

Oct 2004: A Herald-DigiPoll survey finds 56 per cent of people support same-sex civil unions.

Dec 2004: The bill becomes law, passing 65-55 in a conscience vote.

Jan 2005: The Department of Internal Affairs calls for interested parties to apply to become civil union celebrants.

Apr 2005: The Civil Union Act due to come into force.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY