Catholic Bishops consider passing of Same Sex Marriage Bill bizarre

New Zealand Catholic Bishops who consistently opposed the Marriage Definition Bill throughout the Parliamentary process have expressed their deep sadness that, despite the fact that such a large percentage of the public are opposed to this, it has become law.

"We find it bizarre that what has been discarded is an understanding of marriage that has its origin in human nature and common to every culture, and that almost all references to husband and wife will be removed from legislation referencing marriage. We know many New Zealanders stand with us in this,” said Archbishop John Dew, President of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference.

“Marriage is the essential human institution that predates religion and state. It is a committed union between a man and a woman which has a natural orientation towards the procreation of new human life,” Archbishop Dew said.

“Marriage is founded on sexual difference and the traditional definition of marriage reflects this unique reality,”

“This uniqueness requires a name and definition which distinguishes marriage from any other form of relationship,” he said.

“We’ve been assured that our religious freedom to teach and practice marriage according to our religious beliefs is protected and we will continue to ensure that this freedom is upheld.” Archbishop John Dew said.