File photo So far, more than 50 MPs have expressed likely support for Louisa Wall’s marriage equality bill, at least for its first reading. The New Zealand Herald is running a straw poll, and says while 54 MPs will support the bill, or are at least considering doing so; many are still refusing to comment. It believes the final vote could come down to the wire. The website marriageequality.co.nz has the count at 52 MPs for, 11 undecided and 39 unknown. While it technically needs 61 votes to pass, if New Zealand First sticks to its assertion its eight MPs will not vote on the proposed legislation, at all, just 58 votes in favour would be needed. All members of the Greens, the Maori Party, Mana, United Future and most of the Labour MPs are for the bill. Eight Labour MPs remain undecided, as do most National MPs, while ACT leader John Banks’ position is unknown.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 31st July 2012 - 3:19pm