April 18, 2013 | Sex & Society

New Zealand says yes to gay marriage

New Zealand is the 13th nation, and the first in the Asia-Pacific region, to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill to recognize gay marriage passed with a vote of 77-44.

Same-sex civil unions have been recognized in New Zealand since 2005, but the government introduced the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill to "ensure that all people, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity will have the opportunity to marry if they so choose."

"We did it," Labour MP Louisa Wall, the bill's lesbian sponsor, said following the vote. "In our society, the meaning of marriage is universal-- it's a declaration of love and commitment to a special person. Nothing can make me more proud to be a New Zealander than passing this bill."

"We cheered, yelled, cried and sang-- it was just amazing," performance artist Jake Andrew added. "I am so happy, not only because I can now marry the person I love, but because New Zealand has moved a step further towards gay and lesbian people becoming completely equal with the rest of society."

Now if only we could convince Australia and the US to follow suit ...

New Zealand parliament approves gay-marriage bill, hundreds celebrate [CTV News]

New Zealand legalises gay marriage [News 24]