The MP backing a bill to legalise gay marriage says education is the key to overcoming prejudice amongst conservative groups.
Labour's Louisa Wall is facing a backlash from within her own caucus - some MPs representing conservative, Pacific Island communities, are opposed.
She says they're perfectly entitled to vote no as it's a conscience vote, and she's reassuring Pacific church leaders.
"They will not have to marry same-sex couples… [a church leader] said he'd rather go to jail than marry a same-sex couple, and I said, 'You won't have to. My bill doesn't make this mandatory – in fact, you will retain the choice.'"
Ms Wall says MPs should vote with their hearts and represent the differing views of their communities.
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source: newshub archive