Louisa Wall Marriage equality Bill sponsor Louisa Wall says she is proud to be a member of Parliament that has voted overwhelmingly to give New Zealanders, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender, the right to marry. The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill passed its Third Reading this evening 77 votes to 44. New Zealand is the 13th country in the world to embrace marriage equality, with Uruguay taking the 12th spot just last week. “I feel immensely proud to be a Kiwi tonight,” Wall says. “This vote is about recognising the rights all New Zealanders are entitled to in a free and democratic society. “I want to thank the Campaign for Marriage Equality, Legalise Love and the numerous church and community groups for their passionate support. I am privileged to be a member of a community that has stood up to be counted with such dignity and reason. "While it has been an intense campaign, the process has shown the world that New Zealanders are committed to righting injustice where they see it- no matter what their political leanings.” Green Party rainbow spokesperson Kevin Hague adds that New Zealand has just joined a growing group of countries that are embracing love and acceptance over fear and exclusion. “The passing of marriage equality today brings a huge benefit to many people, and no harm to anyone at all. “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!”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 17th April 2013 - 10:02pm