Right to marry for all New Zealanders

Legislation that would give all New Zealanders the right to marry regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity will come before Parliament tonight, with the first reading of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill.

“The bill is about fairness, choice and equality for all New Zealanders,” says Labour MP Louisa Wall who is sponsoring the bill.

“Marriage equality is about every couple having the right to celebrate and formalise their commitment to each other by getting married, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender.

“Today’s rally at Parliament is testament to the widespread support this issue has across a broad cross-section of New Zealanders. This is an issue whose time has come.

“Debates are taking place in Australia, the United Kingdom, Scotland and the USA and marriage equality has been legislated for in the Netherlands, Canada and South Africa.

“This is a global conversation and we are part of it,” Louisa Wall said.

“I believe that the time is right to open the institution of marriage to all New Zealanders.

“I am calling on all of my parliamentary colleagues to support this bill to the select committee where we can open this debate to the public,” Louisa Wall said.