15 May 2012

PM supports debate on same-sex marriage

2:05 pm on 15 May 2012

Prime Minister John Key says if a bill was to come before Parliament on gay marriage he would support it - at least for the first reading.

United States president Barack Obama last week announced he now supports same-sex marriage, taking a clear stand on the issue for the first time.

Mr Key says he personally supports the concept of gay marriage, but it is not the highest priority on the Government's agenda.

He says he would support legislation at least to the select-committee stage so that a public debate can be had.