New Zealand is ready to make gay marriage legal with parliament set to vote on the issue tomorrow (17 April).
The proposal to amend the country’s 1955 Marriage Act has been well received, and includes backing from Prime Minister John Key, the Global Post reports.
Same-sex marriage is currently illegal under the Marriage Act, but the amendment bill has been pushed through the parliament since May 2012.
Currently the vote stands at 77 ministers in favor and 43 against.
Joseph Habgood, co-ordinator for NZ charity LegaliseLove in Wellington, said: ‘This will make a huge difference, not only for couples who want to get married but also for young people who are struggling with their sexuality.
‘This is parliament sending a message saying “You matter, you are equal”.’
He also mentioned gay venues in the country’s capital city will screen the vote live and host celebratory parties.
The politician behind the amendment to the marriage bill is lesbian minister Louisa Wall from the NZ Labour Party.
‘If two people love each other and marry and commit to each other for the rest of their lives, it should be something we all celebrate,’ she said after submitting the bill.
Same-sex couples are currently allowed to enter civil partnerships in New Zealand under the 2004 Civil Union Act.
Author: Demitri Levantis
Publication: Gay Star News
Publication Date: April 16 2013