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History was made in New Zealand last night as the Marriage Equality Bill passed its final reading through the house of parliament.
This resulted in same sex marriage now becoming legal in New Zealand. New Zealand is the 13th country internationally to legalise same-sex marriage, and the first in the Asia Pacific region.
This is something New Zealand Green MP Kevin Hague has been working hard advocating for a very long time, and the entire Green caucus (14 Members of Parliament) voted in favour, and gave heartfelt speeches supporting equal love.
Here is brilliant clip from the NZ Parliament last night when the gallery broke into song (Pokarekare Ana – an indigenous love song) to celebrate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW4DXOAXF8U
Great to have something positive to share!
Kindest wishes, Claire Waghorn-Lees, International Secretary, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
Love is the WinnerWednesday, 17 Apr 2013 | Press Release | http://www.greens.org.nz/press-releases/love-winner
Today is a momentous day in our political history that sends a strong message from Parliament about equality and the right to live free from discrimination, the Green Party said today.
“New Zealand has just joined a growing group of countries that are embracing love and acceptance over fear and exclusion,” said Green Party rainbow spokesperson Kevin Hague.
“The passing of marriage equality today brings a huge benefit to many people, and no harm to anyone at all.
Tonight I was so proud to stand in our Parliament on the side of justice, fairness and love, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow
“Marriage equality extends religious freedoms, it doesn’t restrict them.
“When I first got together with my partner, 29 years ago, the message sent by the law could not have been clearer; we were outsiders and did not belong.
“Today Parliament has sent a message to the rainbow community that we do belong without having to compromise who we are.
“The stories we have heard from young gay and lesbian people just wanting to feel accepted by our society provide the overwhelming reason why this is the right move.
“Marriage is about affirming, reinforcing and celebrating the love two people have for each other. It’s also about joining two families to each other, and recognising the value of that commitment to our whole society. Enabling more people to marry strengthens the institution, and families and society as a whole.
“Tonight I was so proud to stand in our Parliament on the side of justice, fairness and love, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
“So many people worked so hard to get this bill passed and all deserve to celebrate tonight!”
04/18/2013 – 22:03
