New Zealand PM Open to Same-Sex Marriage

In a statement issued today, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he had no personal objection to gay marriage. US President Barack Obama’s support for same-sex marriage earlier this week is said to have prompted Key to break his silence on the topic.

‘I am not personally opposed to gay marriage,’ he said.

‘It is possible that parliament may consider a member’s bill at some stage, but it is not on the government’s agenda.’

The statement that gay marriage is not a priority is in keeping with comments Key made before the general election last November.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says that she is still opposed to same-sex marriage despite Obama’s statement earlier this week.

New Zealand currently allows same-sex civil unions.

Claire Alexander