Congratulations New Zealand! You’re the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to legalise same-sex marriage and the 13th country in the world to pass marriage equality legislation.
You have officially kicked Australia’s arse on this one. Major props.
According to ABC.net.au:
The bill, which passed 77 votes to 44, redefines marriage as a union between two people, rather than a man and woman.National Party prime minister John Key backed the legislation, which was introduced by Labour MP Louisa Wall. Ms Hall says the law change has widespread public support, particularly among young people.She says it shows just how far public opinion has come in New Zealand.
In total, leaders of seven of the country’s eight political parties supported the change.
It is due to take effect within four months, which means gay couples will be able to legally wed in New Zealand as early as August.
The law change would also open the door for married gay couples to adopt children.
Bravo New Zealand! How lame does Australia look in comparison. Here are the other countries where same-sex marriage is legal and the date their legislation was passed:
- New Zealand, 2013
- Uruguay, 2013
- Denmark, 2012
- Argentina, 2010
- Portugal, 2010
- Iceland, 2010
- Sweden, 2009
- Norway, 2009
- South Africa, 2006
- Spain, 2005
- Canada, 2005
- Belgium, 2003
- The Netherlands, 2000
The marriage equality lobby in Australia say hundreds of couples will now take the short flight to NZ to get married but just like in all the countries above (the UK is set to pass legislation later this year) their marriages won’t be legally recognised when they return home.
Come on Julia Gillard, it’s time.
After the bill was passed last night, people in the gallery started singing New Zealand’s love song, “Pokarekare Ana”. Watch the incredible video below:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW4DXOAXF8U]
And this fantastic speech from MP Maurice Williamson had everyone in the office fist-pumping:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCDEiaoEP2U]
Top Comments
I agree that civil unions should be legalized BUT I do not agree with re-defining the word 'marriage' and I applaud Julia for standing by that. I cant sing to save my life but if those of us who cant sing decided it was discriminatory not to be allowed to record music and have our songs played on the radio...do we then re-define what we class as singing talent? after it...its basic human rights to get exactly what we want isnt it? Marriage has already been defined centuries ago...you cant just change it to include who ever wants to get hitched to whoever?? hence the creation of civil unions for whomever outside of men and women, want to be legally joined.
Legalising gay marriage is not the holy grail to ending homosexual discrimination.
I liken it to Rudds apology to the stolen generation. Whilst important it has not ended discrimination of Aboriginal people.
I fear that when legalisation finally does occur it will be such a disappointment to many. Those that do not accept homesexual people or marriage will not change their minds simply because the government legalised gay marriage.