Smith Nick: Relationships (Statutory References) Bill — In Committee 
Smith Nick: Relationships (Statutory References) Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:624;Page:19077] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) 
: 
 Firstly I want to respond to that pretty extraordinary contribution from Marian Hobbs after the point that was made by Richard Prebble in support of Stephen Franks’ amendments. The Minister said to the Committee that if the intent of the person wanting to use the church was malicious or farcical there would not be a breach of the Human Rights Act. But that was not the scenario the Hon Richard Prebble brought to the Committee. His point was that if two perfectly reasonable people wanted to have a civil union in the Destiny Church the Human Rights Commission would require the church to comply and that is wrong. 
I want to ask the Minister this. Will the Government in its next term provide for gay adoption? That is a fair question. We know the social agenda of the last 3 years—we know we have legislated for gay marriage and we know we have legalised prostitution. I would just like to know from the Minister— 
Jill Pettis 
: Is the National Party going to sell State assets? 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: That is a very good question. Last Friday the National spokesperson gave a very clear statement as to which assets National would sell and which assets it would not sell. So I ask Jill Pettis whether the next Labour Government will provide for gay adoption—yes or no? 
Jill Pettis 
: You’re jumping the gun on that one. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: Oh Jill Pettis says that I am jumping the gun that somehow it is not right for— 
Hon Richard Prebble 
: Jill Pettis will tell the people of Wanganui after the election. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: My colleague Richard Prebble says that Jill Pettis will tell the people of Wanganui after the election. Every member of this House—Harry Duynhoven and Marian Hobbs included—knows that if this Labour Government gets another term gay adoption will occur. That is absolutely true. 
Jill Pettis 
: Don’t be ridiculous! 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: I will bet Jill Pettis the very best bottle of Nelson wine that if Labour survives the next election we will get gay adoption. Will she take me on? Jill Pettis said I am incorrect. I am prepared to put my money where my mouth is or on the best bottle of wine from Nelson. I will bet that member— 
Darren Hughes 
: You’d have to go to court to get it! 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: I have to say that unlike that member I honour my promises. I am happy to take— 
[Interruption] 
 Mr Darren Hughes interjects. Mind you he will not be here after the election given the very effective campaign that is being run in Otaki by a stunning candidate who will see him out so I cannot take the bet with him. It may be that Jill Pettis might survive because Labour will save her bacon on the list. I simply ask Jill Pettis whether she will bet me a bottle of Nelson wine that a re-elected Labour Government would provide for gay adoption. Well what about Marian Hobbs? Is it not interesting! This is part of Labour’s secret agenda. New Zealanders should know that a vote for Labour is a vote for gay adoption and that will be the next chapter of social engineering. 
What for me is extraordinary about the United Future party is that up and down New Zealand there have been advertisements in the newspapers saying that to fight gay marriage people have to support the United Future party. The advertisements have a big picture of Peter Dunne. 
Hon Richard Prebble 
: Yeah right! 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: I think Richard Prebble should take up a job as an advertising agent with Tui beer because it would make a damn good Tui advertisement. Having spent public money on advertisements up and down the country decrying gay marriage what did Peter Dunne then do? He voted for the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill. The leader of the United Future party is voting for this bill which states that in 168 statutes— 
Hon Richard Prebble 
: No that can’t be right. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: I was quite dumbfounded when I checked the voting record on the first and second readings and found that Peter Dunne the leader of the “Families First” party voted for gay civil unions to be treated absolutely identically to marriage in respect of the law. I think the remaining supporters of United Future will find it extraordinary that the party has voted in that way.