New Zealand’s parliament has legalised same-sex marriage, the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so.
Despite opposition from Christian lobby groups, lawmakers have approved the bill, amending the 1995 marriage act! The bill passed with a huge majority, 77 votes in favour compared to the 44 votes against. Hundreds of gay rights advocates celebrated outside parliament after the bill was passed, they called it a milestone for equality. (The image above shows people gathering in bars and clubs to celebrate the results.)
People watching from the public gallery and some lawmakers immediately broke into song, singing the New Zealand love song “Pokarekare Ana”, AP news agency reported.
Labour MP Louisa Wall, who introduced the legislation, said. – “In our society, the meaning of marriage is universal – it’s a declaration of love and commitment to a special person.” “Nothing could make me more proud to be a New Zealander than passing this bill,” she added.
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