Landmark day for NZ’s gay community

Steve Hay (left) and Glenn Lewis have been together for seven years. Picture / Dean Purcell

After months of controversy and debate the first day when civil unions became legal passed quietly yesterday, with just a handful of gay couples arriving at registry offices.

In Green Bay, 40-year-old real estate agent Steve Hay and his partner, Glenn Lewis, a 31-year-old hairdresser, had returned their completed form by mid-morning.

Mr Hay was the first at Waitakere District Court for an application form and staff had to consult briefly to find the right one.

The pair have been together for seven years and this month had a commitment ceremony - complete with best man and "matron of dishonour" - but will celebrate again when they exchange vows this weekend before a celebrant.

"We're being recognised as a couple in the eyes of the law and that's a big thing," Mr Lewis said.

"There's a sense of difference. I think it's brought us closer together."

Mr Hay said prejudice against gay people had not disappeared but the availability of civil unions to homosexual couples was a historic step in New Zealand law.

"I think it's huge that we've been recognised in law. It gives legitimacy to something that was illegal 20 years ago," he said.

The couple plan a three-week honeymoon in Bali in June.

Department of Internal Affairs spokesman Tony Wallace said couples in Christchurch and Wellington had arrived at Births, Deaths and Marriages offices to request civil union forms but the day had been relatively low-key.

"But there's really nothing to benchmark it against," he said.

"We didn't expect everyone would be applying today."

Catholic spokeswoman Lyndsay Freer said there had been no special direction to priests to preach against civil unions but emphasised they would not conduct such ceremonies.

Richard Lewis, leader of Destiny New Zealand, the political arm of the Destiny Church, said the party and church "did what they could" to stop the passing of the Civil Union Bill.

"It really changes the face and nature of that dynamic of marriage which is a tragedy for future generations who we want to enjoy marriage for what it is."

Civil union rules

* Application forms are available from agencies of Births, Deaths and Marriages including district courts.

* The completed form must be returned in person by at least one partner.

* A marriage registrar can act as celebrant or you can hire your own.

* Total cost: $120.

* For more information, see link below.