Civilized Unions, Civilized Rights: Same-Sex Relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Much research on same-sex relationships has involved comparisons with opposite-sex relationships, often in order to develop frameworks to understand the dynamics of such same-sex relationships, or to demonstrate readiness for legal recognition such as marriage or “civil union.” Civil unions for both same- and opposite-sex couples have been legal in New Zealand since April 2005. A large national study of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons in New Zealand carried out during the national debate on recognising same-sex relationships showed overwhelming support for government recognition of those relationships regardless of relationship status. This article examines a number of indicators in LGB singles and couples, including public identification, social conformity, individual characteristics including family support, wishes around sexual exclusivity, political awareness, and desires for government recognition of relationships. It also considers the hypothesis few differences by relationship status (or any other characteristic) exist among LGB individuals who want legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The author proposes that it is the right to legal recognition of same-sex relationships, rather than recognition of relationships per se, that forms the foundation of LGB support for government recognition of same-sex relationships.