Emotions run high at protest
Hundreds of young children join the anti-Civil Union Bill march, chanting a
range of anti-gay slogans

23 August 2004

Emotions have been running high at Parliament over the Civil Union Bill
protest.

Police estimate around 9,000 people turned up to demonstrate on both sides
of the argument, although anti-Civil Union demonstrators from the Destiny
Church made up the majority.

Hundreds of young children joined the anti-Civil Union Bill march, chanting
a range of anti-gay slogans through the "Enough is Enough" campaign
organised by the Destiny Church.

Some have been heard yelling "you're filthy" to pro-civil union
demonstrators.

When asked why he was part of the protest, one child said because he
believed children should grow up with mothers and fathers.

An incensed Georgina Beyer has taken on the anti-civil union protesters,
where the Destiny Church rally has now ended but not before Labour's
trans-sexual MP gave them an earful.

She screamed at the protesters that it is disgraceful to use the cloak of
Christianity when teaching children prejudice and discrimination.

Ms Beyer challenged the protesters to answer her but received nothing.

Pro-Civil Union Bill protestor, "transgender granny" Jacquie Grant says she
is saddened by the hatred which has been so obvious among Destiny Church
members.

She says she has fostered more than 70 children over 25 years, and not one
of them has grown up gay.

Jacquie Grant says someone's sexuality has nothing to do with the way
children are raised.

Meanwhile there has been a passionate plea presented to a parliamentary
committee today from a man in a gay relationship.

The Justice and Electoral Committee is hearing submissions in Auckland on
the Civil Union and Relationships Bills.

Forty-six individuals and organisations are appearing.

Terry Armstrong from the Human Rights Foundation says the bills would
formalise his 13-year homosexual relationship.

He says they have a life together, share assets and would like their
relationship recognised.

He says the two bills would give them rights which they are currently
denied.

He says, for example, if his partner was in hospital it would be up to the
discretion of whoever's in charge whether he'd be allowed to seen him.

Mr Armstrong says he and his partner have a nine-year-old son.

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© 2004 NZCity, IRN