Following speeches by many MPs in parliament today the Abortion Bill passed it’s first reading by 94 votes to 23. Three MPs didn’t vote.
This is a large majority, but it’s just the first of three votes, with some MPs wanting the Bill to progress to public submissions, but with no guarantee of supporting it all the way. NZ First MPs all voted for it but have imp[lied they may not support the final vote unless it goes to a public referendum (although their messages have been missed).
That was supplied from Stuff who have good coverage with summaries of the MP speeches here – Live: Abortion Bill’s first reading in Parliament
On Tracey Martin (who was put in a very difficult position by her party):
Tracey Martin in tears
NZ First MP Tracey Martin came to tears as she lays out the speech she was going to make on the bill.
She says she was ready to make a personal speech about why she supported the bill, but the context of this week’s news means she can’t.
Martin was the lead negotiator with Andrew Little on this bill from NZ First as the women’s spokeswoman for the party. She told the media on Tuesday morning that the party would not be seeking a referendum on the issue. But later that morning at a caucus meeting NZ First resolved to attempt to introduce a referendum at committee of the whole house.
This led to a somewhat embarrassing media situation on Tuesday afternoon when it all came out on the way into the House.
Martin is detailing this whole story to clarify things.
She confirms that NZ First will block-vote in favour for first and second readings.
I presume she has been able to present the actual party position and won’t be contradicted again.
Aupito William Sio will support the bill at first reading:
Pacific Peoples’ Minister and Labour MP Auptio William Sio is speaking for the bill, at least in the first reading, despite opposing abortion himself.
“I value life,” Sio says.
“I am looking at this debate from the perspective of a father who does not support abortion.”
He says he would want his daughters to not abort – but would support them in their choice, whatever it was.
“I do not support abortion, but I am on the record that I support a woman’s right to choose.”
I respect him deferring to his daughters and to women despite his personal views.
