MPs vote against referendum on Civil Union Bill

Parliament tonight voted against holding a referendum on the Civil Union Bill, which is expected to pass its final stage tomorrow.

MPs voted 68-51 to defeat a New Zealand First amendment that would have meant the bill could not be enacted unless it gained majority support at a referendum held at the same time as the next general election.

Opponents of the bill had pinned their hopes on a referendum after attempts to change the bill failed.

More than 70 National Party amendments, which would have completely re-written the bill, were all voted down with strong majorities.

The bill will become law if it passes its third reading tomorrow.

On the pattern of voting established during the many hours of debate on it, there will be a majority of about 65 in the 120-member Parliament.

Tonight, NZ First MPs lined up to demand a referendum, saying the legislation was too important to be left to Parliament.

Brian Donnelly, who supports the bill, said it would change the nature of New Zealand society.

"I can understand why some don't want a referendum," he said.

"It would enable another round of blatant bigotry from some quarters.

"But I'm convinced a referendum would uncover the true face of New Zealand, a face of tolerance and acceptance of difference."

The bill gives legal recognition to same-sex and heterosexual partnerships, and it has provoked angry and divisive debate in Parliament.

Mr Donnelly said the "sad feature" of the way the bill had been handled in Parliament was that the true face of the people had not been exposed.

"I have faith in the people, in their sense of fairness," he said.

"If we put our faith in the people, they will get it right and I believe they will support this legislation (at a referendum) and that will put the matter to rest for ever more."

Gay MP Tim Barnett, a strong supporter of the bill, said there was no precedent for a referendum on an issue of human rights.

"Looking around the world, about 25 countries have similar legislation and not one of them held a referendum," he said.

National MPs today continued to claim the bill was a covert means of bringing in a gay marriage law, but more than 70 amendments put up by MP Richard Worth were all heavily defeated.

The two-hour third reading debate will take place tomorrow afternoon.

Groups supporting and opposing it are planning demonstrations in Parliament's grounds.

If it is passed, it will come into force on April 26.

- NZPA