CUB support dwindling

OK a bit of a ramble here on the Civil Union Bill as it seems to be the topic of the day.

The first reading got 66 votes. The second reading needs 61 votes. It's down to the wire, Two National MP's are in support of the civil union bill now that National Leader Don Brash has withdrawn his support. Lockwood Smith is wavering. Pansy Wong is also wavering.

Tariana Turia is also doing a U-turn and will not vote for the bill. Brian Donnelly looks like he is doing the same. Likewise ACT's Gerry Eckhoff and Stephen Franks. Currently Ron Mark is the sole NZ First MP to indicate support. ACT's Heather Roy will vote for the bill, contrary to this article in the Herald.

This vote could be down to Winnie Laban, and if push comes to shove, she`ll vote for the bill. I can't imagine Choudhary voting for it. Abstaining, maybe, he's had plenty of experience at that. It may be the closest second reading vote in memory.

Brash, like the NZ First MP's, wants a referendum on the issue. He said on radio this week that he was not happy with the process, but as of Tuesday he was supportive. Since then he has changed his mind. No Right Turn is disappointed and accuses him of selling out gays. Absolute rubbish. It's not a gay bill. Ask David Benson-Pope. No, don't ask him, he`ll say that it is a bill for heterosexual couples ( and gay couples, as if an after thought). He will also say that the bill would do the things that he said this week it wouldn't do after saying in Parliament that it won't do the things he said last week that it would do. Confused? So`s he.

The fact is that the bill will do nothing. Absolutely nothing - until the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill is introduced and passed - and that won`t be until next year.

But what's up with comparing this bill to the bill decriminalising homosexuality in 1986. It’s a different issue. I know of MP's who supported homosexual law reform that will not support civil unions. Peter Dunne and Gordon Copeland being two of them. What goes on in private bedrooms is a matter for individuals. What the state recognises for couples a different matter.

And lastly, Gay eaters for Jesus, claims to be a national group, but is really a one-man band by the name of Xavier Goldie set up to eat more than MP Paul Adams and pastor Steve Trim. Both have announced fasts in protest at the moral decay that civil unions will bring.

Perhaps Mr Goldie just needs a bit of chocolate and nice warm Milo to calm down. Perhaps he could share it with Mr Trim, seeing his fast doesn’t start until next year.

update Just got a phone call to advise that abstaining Ashraf is actually going to vote for the bill. That makes sense, sure it is a conscience vote, but it is also Labouir Party policy and if you havent got the conscience that supports the policy you shouldn`t really be a Labour List MP.