Graeme Elvin Mackenzie Elvin

So, I see that the latest piece of really important legislation to restore our economy has hit the table, namely, the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill aka 'the Gay Marriage Bill”.

Now I don't want to get into a discussion about the rights and wrongs of this bill, rather it did cause me to stop and think about democracy.

Benjamin Franklin said: 'Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb controlling the vote”.

The New Zealand democratic process has a strong emphasis on Select Committees and public submissions.

Public submissions provide a forum for ordinary New Zealanders to air their views on proposed legislation.

Unfortunately, very few New Zealanders use the opportunity this presents. It seems that New Zealanders much prefer to wait for the legislation to be passed before airing their views or voicing their complaints.

If you've got a view on some piece of impending legislation, even the Gay Marriage Bill, you should make a submission to the Select Committee.

This can be done quite simply through http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub. If you really want to be heard you should also write to, and lobby your local MPs.

The more pressure you can put on your MPs the more likely they will be to respect and respond to the democratic process as your elected representative.

Just remember, it is important to be sensible and reasoned in your approach, and it is important to participate in the process.

So get started, and if you need any help don't hesitate to call.