Death by Referendum

Don Brash has recently called for social and constitutional changes to be implemented only after a referendum. As Brash's critics on the left have (gleefully)pointed out, this is political populism. I do agree that constitutional change can only be done by referendum, but to have social legislation voted on by the public would be a backward step.

Social change happens faster than Parliament can comprehend - homosexuality has been around since before man evolved, but the fact that it was not harmful to anyone was not recognised in law until the mid-1980s. Gay (and straight) couples who chose not to marry held 'commitment ceremonies' before the Civil Union Bill was ever thought of.

Imagine the frenzy from both sides of the Civil Union debate if a referendum was to be held! We'd end up with a nation divided like it was by the Springbok tour, or a nation of people completely turned off politics forever.

Both would be a shame.