Sergio Rubin, who is Francis's authorised biographer, says Francis has suggested this would mean rather than homosexual "marriage", the term "civil unions" could be used instead.

"Let us call things by their names. Matrimony is between a man and a woman. This is the precise term. Let us call the same-sex union a ‘civil union'", Francis says.

This is a somewhat different view from the one put by a recent news report suggesting Francis agrees with civil unions that recognise homosexual relationships under law.

Rubin says this is not the case and Francis is not contradicting the Church's teaching about marriage.

Instead, he says Francis and has reaffirmed his support for the church's view: that marriage can only "be defined as a union of one man and one woman", which "we cannot change".

The church also teaches that since homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered," Catholics cannot approve of same-sex civil unions.

The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reiterated this long-held teaching in 2003. In a document written by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (who would be elected Pope Benedict XVI) and approved by Pope Saint John Paul II, the Congregation said:

"The Church teaches that respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behaviour or to legal recognition of homosexual unions."

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"The Research NZ poll of just 500 people found that 60% of those polled supported same-sex marriage. However, polling of 1,000 NZ'ers through independent research company Curia Market Research found greater support for maintaining the definition of marriage as a man and a woman," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

"All this suggests that there is debate to be had on this issue and the politicians would do well to progress slowly on this issue rather than capitulate to strong lobbying to change the definition. At the end of the day, same sex couples have the option of civil unions to recognise their relationship so there is no need for redefining marriage."

"Marriage is not a religious belief. Almost every culture in every time and place has had some institution that resembles what we know as marriage, and it has always been associated with procreation. Every society needs natural marriage."

"Gays and lesbians have a right to form meaningful relationships - they just don't have a right to redefine marriage."

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