The private member's bill in the name of Labour MP Louisa Wall has been drawn from the ballot at Parliament, and when it comes before the House a conscience vote is expected. Mr Key says in the past, as an Opposition MP, he voted for civil unions and prostitution law reform at their first reading but then voted against them later on the basis of opposition from his constituents.

He says as Prime Minister he takes a different approach. "When you become Prime Minister you're just not in the position to really have that sort of luxury, and in the end you're forced to make a decision pretty much early on.

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