Campaign for Marriage Equality Ecstatic with Vote

The Campaign for Marriage Equality is ecstatic that the Marriage Equality Bill has passed its final reading in Parliament tonight. The Bill passed by 77 votes to 44 and will now become law.

“This is a hard fought victory for the hundreds of thousands of ordinary Kiwis who stood up for equal treatment for all” said Campaign Convener Conrad Reyners.

The Campaign wishes to pay tribute to Louisa Wall MP, the cross-party working group, the many volunteers and the campaigners who worked tirelessly for Marriage Equality. The Bill’s success tonight would not have been possible without the efforts of the tens of thousands of New Zealanders who submitted to the Select Committee and contacted their MPs.

“The positive response from Kiwis has blown us away. This was truly a nationwide movement. Our campaign supported fairness, family and love. We want to thank every single person who helped make marriage equality a reality” said Reyners.

“When this Bill comes into force in four months time, the sun will still rise. All that will change is that tens of thousands of ordinary Kiwis in loving, committed relationships will finally be treated like the equal citizens they are,” said Reyners.

The Campaign for Marriage Equality is extremely proud of the positive, celebratory way that Kiwis and MPs have supported Marriage Equality.

“We always knew that love would be more persuasive than fear. Every single MP who has voted for marriage equality now stands on the right side of history. Their legacy is a more equal New Zealand where all New Zealanders are treated fairly under our marriage law,” said Reyners.

The Campaign is pleased that tonight’s victory has sent a strong, positive message to LGBTI and queer kiwis across New Zealand.

“Tonight’s vote is a symbol of hope. It sent the message that our lives have equal value. This Bill will not end discrimination overnight, but it sends a powerful message of self-worth and acceptance.” Said Reyners.

The Bill will now receive its Royal Assent and be formerly passed into law. The law will come into force 4 months later. The first same-sex marriages should be solemnised in the middle of August.

“New Zealand is the 13th country in the world to grant full marriage rights to its citizens. Once again, we are ahead of the curve gloablly. The passing of this Bill will encourage legislatures around the world to join us and fully recognise the relationships of LGBTI people,” said Reyners.

“We are thrilled with tonight’s historic vote. For some Kiwis, this is the defining legislative moment of their lives. It will forever be remembered as a moment when New Zealand affirmed fairness, equal treatment, and love for all,” concluded Reyners.

ENDS

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