Casualties

A footnote in a Herald story indicates that the Civil Unions bill has become a casualty of the current political unrest over the foreshore and seabed:

the Herald understands the controversial Civil Unions Bill, due to be introduced to Parliament next week, has suddenly been put on hold and will not now be seen this parliamentary session.

I'm not sure whether this also applies to the omnibus bill or not, but either way its bad news. The Civil Unions Bill is a long way from perfect (it's really a half-measure, only full-on marraige will bring real equality), but it is a step in the right direction, and it would be a shame to lose it in the panic.