It’s done, woo hoo!
The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act (2013) passed it’s third reading last night 77-44, legalising gay marriage in New Zealand.
The Act won’t go into effect until later this year, as it still needs to receive the Royal Assent from the Governor General, but that is a mere formality.
This post by Canterbury economist Eric Crampton has some good excerpts from the final speeches. I recommend Maurice Williamson’ speech and the final reading of the tally in particular.
Today is a good day.
Congrats! The singing at the third reading was especially poignant to me.Report
Me, too. I had no idea what the song was, but the beauty of the moment was unmistakeable.
What a truly wonderful thing.Report
A little rooting around yielded this:
The song is called Pokarekare Ana, it’s an extremely old native New Zealand love song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPvyZfH8OZMReport
It’s one of those songs that instantly recognisable to any New Zealander. I can speak a bare handful of words of Maori, but I could probably make a decent fist of singing along with it without having to look at a lyric sheet.Report
It’s very beautiful. No wonder it’s a national tune.Report
I just got around to watching the video of the third reading. I don’t know a word of Maori. But the video still somehow managed to somehow kick up a tremendous amount of dust in my office.Report
Mine too. I honestly was astonished a viewing gallery of people could sing so well (perhaps there were some organized singers in place?). It was almost frighteningly angelic, the voices singing from above.Report
Maori waiatas are intended to be sung by groups of people, much like national anthems. It’s easier for a group to sing them well than you might think.Report
Huzzah! Maybe we need to be more upside down here!Report
Congratulations on making a step toward fair treatment of citizens. If only my own country and state could do the same!Report
I can’t speak to your state, but it seem your country is heading in the right direction.Report
Actually, Illinois (my state) seems to be itching its way there. I wish I knew more about Colorado, my home state, and where it’s at. (Yes, I realize it’s just a few google clicks away.)Report
Woo and hoo, indeed!Report
We’ll get there too. Someday.Report
Many congratulations to New Zealand and her citizens! There shall be more marriages, more happiness, and more freedom for all there now — and a new source of national pride. Here’s hoping many other nations look to you as an example to follow. Including the United States.Report
Now, if only the high court in Singapore would repeal its anti-sodomy laws.Report
Congrats to all. Kiwis rock.Report