Marriage Equality Coming To New Zealand

Marriage equality is coming to New Zealand!

Lawmakers supported the bill 77 to 44 in the second of three votes needed for a bill to be approved. The second vote is typically the most crucial one. The third and final vote is likely to be little more than a formality and could be taken as early as next month. “I’m very excited, as excited as the young people,” bill sponsor Louisa Wall said after the vote. “It’s a fantastic result.” The result was little changed from the 80-to-40 result in the first vote in August. There were some minor changes to the bill, including wording to make it clear that clergy can decline to preside over gay marriage ceremonies if they conflict with their beliefs.

Congratulations to all our Kiwi readers!