Civil Union Bill
Press Release 01 December 2004
The Federation of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) Inc. vehemently opposes the passing of the Civil Union Bill by the New Zealand Parliament. The Bill should be totally rejected both on religious and moral grounds.
Islam and other major religions of the world do not condone a union between same sex couples. Same sex marriage destroys the conventional meaning of marriage in various traditions and consequently tears apart the very fabric of the society. Marriage is a great institution, a socially sanctioned union typically of one man and one woman which forms the family nucleus.
The common explanation given in support of the Bill that it provides legal protection to the minorities of their human rights and freedom is completely misguided and misleading. Existing laws provide more than adequate safeguard to protect the dignity and freedom of every minority group in New Zealand. Parliamentarians must be mindful of this and should not display irresponsibility and irrationality in their judgement.
The Federation is extremely disappointed at the stance taken by Dr Ashraf Choudhury, the only Muslim Member of Parliament. Certainly, Dr Choudhury did not reflect the view of the Federation and the wider Muslim community of New Zealand. We all know that Holy matrimony is the only sacred union in all civilisations as ordained by God. Debasing marriage in the name of Civil Union of same sex couples mocks the Commandment of God. The institution of marriage in Islam is "a mutual contract between a man and a woman whose goal is for each to enjoy the other, become a pious family and a sound society".
The Federation hopes that good sense will prevail on the part of the proponents of the Bill and by rejecting it unreservedly they will restore the confidence of the majority of the citizens of this great nation, who oppose the Bill. Let us all work together to uphold the family values and good traditions to build a cohesive and progressive society to live in peace and harmony so as to achieve progress and prosperity.
Javed I Khan
President of FIANZ
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