By Janika Ter Ellen
Labour's private members bill to legalise gay marriage is provoking strong reactions from the religious community.
The bill, sponsored by Labour MP Louisa Wall, will have its first reading in Parliament next month.
There were differing views on gay marriage on the streets of Wellington today.
Many said the move would improve equality and were pleased it would allow gay couples to adopt.
“It gives us more opportunities so we can adopt together, because we weren't allowed to adopt together,” says one member of the public.
But not everyone agrees.
“I think marriage is between one man and one woman and I think it should be that for life,” says another.
That's also the view of the Catholic Church.
“To make babies you need a mother and a father, and the best environment for raising children is with their genetic parents,” says Father Merv Duffy.
But a Presbyterian minister says religion has no part in deciding laws and civil union legislation has been successful despite Catholic opposition.
“That the sky hasn't fallen, that their have been people who have entered into civil unions, its been great for them, and the kids that they have in their families, so I hope people can kind of just relax,” says Reverend Margaret Mayman.
Rev. Mayman, who is a lesbian, is thinking of marrying her partner if the law passes.
Gay MP Charles Chauvel is already married to his partner, but he had to do it in Canada where same-sex marriage is legal.
“The reality is, most New Zealanders think it’s time here,” he says.
The bill will be decided by conscience vote in Parliament, with its first reading in mid to late August. The Prime Minister says he'll support it through that first reading, but after that his vote and influence could change.
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