Editing Talk:Civil union in New Zealand (section)

== Another merger proposal ==

It is proposed to merge the articles on [[Same-sex marriage in New Zealand]] and [[Civil unions in New Zealand]] into a new (to be created) article called [[Recognition of gay unions in New Zealand]]. In order not to prejudge the result of the discussion I haven't created this article yet. '''Other suggestions for the name of the destination article are welcome.'''

This is part of a general proposed merger of the "Same-sex marriage in..." with the "Civil unions in..." series. Any general points can be discussed in [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject LGBT studies#"Same-sex marriage in ..." v. "Civil unions in the ..."]].

In essence these articles deal with the same subject matter and unified articles could deal more comprehensively with the topic and avoid unnecessary repetition. [[User:Caveat lector|Caveat lector]] 23:52, 25 July 2007 (UTC)

:Seems reasonable, especially if it's part of a wider merger. --[[User:Helenalex|Helenalex]] 22:55, 27 July 2007 (UTC)

:The two articles have substantially different content at present, and other than fitting in with the more general standards for such articles on other countries, I see no pressing reason for a change.

:If the articles are merged, then as civil unions affect heterosexual as well as gay couples the title should reflect this. A title of "Same-sex marriage and civil unions in New Zealand" would be fine.-[[User talk:gadfium|<span style="font-family:cursive; color:#808080;">gadfium</span>]] 06:21, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

:I agree with Gadfium, the title needs to reflect that there are also opposite-sex civil unions in New Zealand for a variety of reasons. [[User:NZ forever|NZ forever]] 23:41, 10 August 2007 (UTC)

:I would object to such merging, on the basis that while the Civil Union Act 2004 and Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 both provided parallel secular recognition ceremonies, documentation and acqusition of rights and responsibilities parallel to heterosexual marriage, the Marriage Act 1955 still discriminates against same-sex couples. Granted, LGBT New Zealanders use terms like "tie the knot", "get hitched", "nuptials" or other colloquialisms for our civil unions, but for the moment anyway, marriage is closed to us as a ritual and ceremonial option.

Actually, here's an idea, too. There tend to be a range of opinions toward the status quo within LGBT New Zealand. Some of us regard same-sex marriage as a more or less residual issue, and would prioritise adoption law reform as the chief remaining issue of discrimination against our communities, while others regard the continued exclusion of LGBT New Zealanders from the Marriage Act 1955 as unacceptable discrimination. In time, I imagine that as with the proposed Wikipedia category merger, same sex marriage proper will arrive in New Zealand, and there will be no reason for civil unions as a parallel institution. Unfortunately, though, that will have to wait until parliamentary composition is sufficiently favourable to permit such reforms, inevitable as they seem to be, judging from other jurisdictions.
[[User:Calibanu|Calibanu]] 01:00, 12 September 2007 (UTC) [User Calibanu] 12.42, 12 September 2007 (NZST)