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New Zealand Parliament Votes Overwhelmingly In Favor Of Marriage Equality
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9 Comments
No. 2 ·
alexoloughlin
I wouldn’t say it was entirely down to Obama’s declaration although some credit is due. The UK’s David Cameron, a conservative Prime Minister came out for equal marriage in October 2011. Obama had no impact on that decision obviously. If anything, I suspect New Zealand’s decision had more to do with the UK’s, it being a commonwealth member, but great to see another country get on board. France first, New Zealand, then the UK. The latter will probably get a first reading of a bill in 2013 followed by two more then a final vote, same as New Zealand. Unlike Australia, New Zealand’s parliamentary system of government is virtually identical to the UK’s, no state by state legislation and much easier to pass legislation. Australia’s more closely resembles the federal system of the U.S., more difficult to pass.
Aug 30, 2012 at 1:34 pm · @Reply
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No. 3 ·
The Real Mike in Asheville
@alexoloughlin: The article is quoting from a NZ MP that Obama was a “catalyst” not “entirely down”. And, as you point out Obama had no impact on David Cameron, clearly, Cameron had little effect on NZ — NZ’s PM didn’t support equality when Cameron called for it, but after Obama did.
As you point out, the good news is all these other countries coming on-board — though you neglected Scotland, where its action is a bit ahead of the rest of the UK.
Aug 30, 2012 at 3:10 pm · @Reply ·
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No. 4 ·
AndrewIB
Another enlightened moment from New Zealand..Wonderful country, fabulous men..
Aug 30, 2012 at 4:13 pm · @Reply ·
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No. 6 ·
ChiChi Man
@alexoloughlin: The MP quoted in the article actually introduced the bill – so if she says that Obama was the catalyst, I’d believe her.
Cameron’s support came last year. Obama’s announcement came on May 9 and on May 14 Louisa Wall (quoted above) announced her intention to introduce the bill. She did so on May 30.
I, for one, am thrilled that the President’s support of marriage equality is moving this issue forward.
Aug 30, 2012 at 6:42 pm · @Reply ·
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No. 7 ·
Billysees
Good show for the land of Kiwis.
“Kia ora” …… to all New Zealanders.
Aug 31, 2012 at 3:18 am · @Reply ·
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No. 8 ·
Triple S
@Andrew: As fantastic as it would be to have gay marriage in Tasmania, it won’t happen.
Look at the situation, Labour said that the Greens would be the last on their preferences, and obviously, that has peeved the Greens.
BUT WAIT! Miraculously, Labour is going for Gay marriage in Tasmania! Where there are HEAPS of GREENS!
It was just a ploy to keep the Greens shut up. It won’t happen.
OK, it MIGHT happen, but I SERIOUSLY doubt it, knowing Labour and the Greens.
Aug 31, 2012 at 9:49 am · @Reply ·
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Those kiwis! They are always in rivalry to their western cousins over in Australia. I’ll bet that fact that Aussies politicians are so against marriage equality the kiwis voted this way just to stuff it in their faces. As they deserve!
Whatever — the march to equality is proceeding apace. Thanks guys!