New Zealand on track to legalize same-sex marriage

[Scooter]

Marriage bill passes first reading

Parliament has tonight passed the first reading of a bill that will make it legal for couples of the same sex to marry.

Eighty MPs voted for the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill and 40 voted against it.

The Speaker had read out the vote as 78 in favour and 40 against. However, shortly after the vote, National whip Louise Upston asked that the ayes be changed to 80 votes because the votes so the proxy votes of Act leader John Banks and United Future leader Peter Dunne, which were mistakenly not cast, could be added to the total.

Labour Party MP Louisa Wall, the sponsor of the bill, said the calm and measured debate was a sign New Zealand had matured in its views.

"I was hoping for 61 votes, so to get 78 is very special. This is the first hurdle in the transition from this being a bill to an act."

Ms Wall said she thought members of public had moved on from the heated and at times negative debate seen during the civil unions debate and homosexual law reform.

"I think we've evolved; we've matured as we're 26 years post homosexual law reform. So homosexuality in our communities is part of everyday life.

"It was very respectful tonight. I appreciate that is was so respectful.''

[Gob]

I love Kiwiland, not only is it fair and just, it's also one of the most beautiful places on earth.