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'I support gay adoption, but it's not a priority' - Key

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'I support gay adoption, but it's not a priority' - Key

3News NZ

Key says he would vote for a bill allowing gay adoption

Key says he would vote for a bill allowing gay adoption

Prime Minister John Key says he is not bothered by gay adoption but it not a big enough issue for the Government to focus on.

He says allowing same-sex couple to adopt is not “hugely significant”, despite saying it is tragic for those who want to adopt but can’t.

“The truth is, less than 200 non-family adoptions take place in New Zealand at the moment.

“It’s just not a big enough issue…it’s now such a small group of New Zealanders that are getting the opportunity to adopt that it can’t be the Government’s number one issue when we are facing all of the other economic issues,” says Mr Key.

National MP Nikki Kaye has teamed up with Green MP Kevin Hague and are currently writing a private member’s bill to allow gay adoption.

Mr Key says it would be a conscience vote and he would support its first reading if it was pulled from the ballot.

“Personally, for me, I’m not too bothered if there was gay adoption, I think it matters more about whether you love the child than the sexuality of the parents but let’s see how things progress.

Despite it not being a priority, he says the Government has been working with Russia looking at the adoption rules between the two countries.

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Comments

29/05/2012 10:12:34 a.m.

Paora wrote:

Don't know what your problem is David or Bruce and others of similar ilk. Who cares what people personally believe as individuals. The only issue is we have integrity in what we believe and others have an equal right to differ. If it was a fact Key doesn't 'like' homosexuals that's his prerogative. Some people just get too precious about their odd practices and minority opinions particularly when they are not supported by the normal public.

28/05/2012 8:51:55 p.m.

David wrote:

@Bruce Key opposed them because he doesnt like gay people. He has been asked about gay law reform before and categorically stated he wouldnt furher gay rights in New Zealand.

28/05/2012 6:09:57 p.m.

David wrote:

The thing that John Key doesnt say is the first reading is as far as he would support it. He has voted for homosexual law reform before past its first reading but when it comes to the final vote... he ALWAYS votes against it. As he did with the civil union bill. He thinks that voting for it during the first reading will get him some political points and people wont notice that on the final vote... he pulls his support... like usual.

28/05/2012 5:55:52 p.m.

Bruce wrote:

Funny that. considering before the 2008 election, Key opposed the civil unions bill and last year he opposed a bill allowing gay adoptions from Labour. Key probably opposed those bills because they weren't his idea.