Dear Sir,

A family member called me, asked about the referendum and informed me of the two questions that were asked.

My comments were: how can legislators pose a question in the form of a referendum that in the first instance contravenes the Human Rights Act?

For example, recently the Human Rights Act was amended to include non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. The second question on the referendum asks if you support civil unions for gay couples.

How can you create a law that permits and thereby recognises a civil union between same-sex couples but denies heterosexual couples the same right?

How could a referendum with such a question be valid and not one leading to a situation that is ultra vires?

KHALID WASI