LGBT
Related: About this forumNew Zealand gay marriage bill passes critical test
Source: Associated Press
By Nick Perry, Associated Press 8:05a.m. EDT March 13, 2013
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) New Zealand lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill allowing same-sex marriage Wednesday, all but assuring that it will soon become law.
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.
Wednesday's vote came after a committee of lawmakers considered emails and letters from thousands of New Zealanders.
More than 200 people crammed into the Parliament's public gallery to watch lawmakers debate the bill before they voted at about 10:15 p.m. The mostly young crowd clapped and cheered for lawmakers who spoke in support of the bill, and sat in silence for those who spoke in opposition.
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Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/13/gay-marriage-new-zealand/1983839/
nonoyes
(261 posts)This takes it all the way.
Also, isn't it strange that the opponents of marriage almost always have ties to some religion?
What possibly could be of value in any religion that would deny some people equality?
MNBrewer
(8,462 posts)is the Australian Prime Minister, she's an atheist. Go figure.
nonoyes
(261 posts)I had really no knowledge about Australia's opposition, both in their Parliament and with their PM.
The majority of Australians have no problem with it, I see.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/19/australia-gay-marriage-ban-upheld-_n_1896131.html
Tien1985
(920 posts)on my part, but maybe because religion thrives on a "us" vs "them" system? There needs to be someone the religion as a whole has as an anti-example. Something they can band together against?
I don't know, just a thought.