LegaliseLove Statement on Marriage Equality Bill

Today, Labour MP Louisa Wall’s bill to legislate for marriage equality in New Zealand was drawn from the ballot in Parliament. Over the next few months, politicians will face a decision over whether New Zealand stands firmly for equality and freedom, or whether New Zealand will be placed on the wrong side of history.

“This is an incredibly significant day for equal rights in New Zealand,” says LegaliseLove President Andrew Cunningham. “Now that politicians don’t have the option to ignore the issue, we are confident that the vote will come down on the side of love and equality.”

Earlier in the year, Prime Minister John Key indicated his support for the first reading of a bill proposing marriage equality, and marriage equality is largely supported by members of the opposition. David Shearer, leader of the Labour party earlier said he supported marriage equality "in principle," but today expressed his support for Wall's bill.

“The issue is largely considered by political parties to be a matter of conscience, meaning that most parties will not force their MPs to vote one way or the other on the issue,” says Communications Officer Joseph Habgood. “We encourage every single supporter to write to their local MPs to persuade them to vote for the bill, because in this case every vote will count.”

LegaliseLove Wellington General Executive member Thomas Coppell had this to say on the bill, "as a queer New Zealander who one day hopes to get married and have children, I'm absolutely ecstatic at the opportunities this bill will open for me. In this time and age, someone's sexual orientation or gender identity should not make them a second class citizen under the law. This is a time for our communities, whanaus, colleagues and friends to band together to rally support for equality for LGBTI New Zealanders and show solidarity that we as a nation won't stand for discrimination."

Green MP, Kevin Hague who also submitted a bill for marriage equality has said he will also support Wall's bill.

ENDS

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