Monday, April 15, 2013

New Zealand Set to Approve Gay Marriage

While the justices of the U. S. Supreme Court likely ponder how to dodge having to rule directly on gay marriage on a broad scale, another ally of America is poised to approve gay marriage through the legislative process - something that will never happen in Virginia until the power of the Christofascists at The Family Foundation is broken and/or the GOP ceases to be a major political party.   TVNZ looks at developments in New Zealand where gay marriages could start in less than six months.  Here are highlights:

Politicians look set to make history this week with gay marriage likely to become legal.
However, the first wedding will not take place until mid-August.

Labour MP Louisa Wall's marriage equality member's bill is due to have its third reading in Parliament on Wednesday night.   The bill passed its committee stages with 77 votes to 43 last month and little change was anticipated for the final vote.

Big crowds, including a few celebrities, were expected to be in Parliament's public gallery to witness the vote.

The passing of the legislation was historic and would remove the last remaining legal inequalities for homosexual people, Hague said.  "After this bill passes we will effectively have equality under the law, which is one of the basic human rights."

Viewing parties and celebrations were planned to be held around the country if the bill does pass, Hague said.

The Conservative Party and lobby group Family First are both running publicity campaigns against same-sex marriage.  Family First spokesman Bob McCoskrie wants people to sign a "marriage pledge" saying they will not vote for an MP or political party that supports Wall's bill.
Full equality under the law.  Something America and Virginia claim to honor yet still fail to deliver.

 

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