Next marriage nation: New Zealand a contender

Timothy Kincaid

July 27th, 2012

It’s a fairly good bet that this year will see at least one additional country join the nations that fully respect the relationships of their gay citizens. But who it will be still remains a mystery.

One dark horse that has come up from behind is New Zealand. Somewhat unexpectedly, the island nation off of Australia, will be addressing the issue as the result of the whims of fate.

New Zealand lawmakers will hold a vote on allowing gay marriage after a proposal to change the law was listed on parliament’s agenda on Thursday.

The plan, which was drawn at random from a ballot of proposals submitted by lawmakers, would alter the 1955 Marriage Act to say marriage is a union of two people regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The exact timing of the vote has not been determined but it is likely to be within the next two months.

And while a high degree of “barefaced weaselling” is to be expected, the current vote count looks promising. The population is supportive and the bill is nearly certain to at least pass the first vote and get debate though the Catholic Church is, unsurprisingly, opposed. (Interesting longblog here)

Nick Thiwerspoon

July 27th, 2012

New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to give women the vote in 1893; it treats its indigenous ppl with honour and integrity, it has a decent cradel-to-the-grave welfare state. It takes its quota of refugees, unlike bogan-influenced Oz. Oh, and it is stunningly, stunningly beautiful.

And now first with gay marriage, shaming my country, Australis,

BTW, “off of” Australia is a bit of a stretch. It’s 3 and a half hours by air from Melbourne (4 hours the other way because of the westerlies).

Bose in St. Peter MN

July 27th, 2012

Google the Topp Twins.

Watch their documentary — Untouchable Girls — on Hulu, or wherever.

Lynda and Jools have been out, proud, activist-yet-down-home NZ icons for three decades.

F Young

July 27th, 2012

Yes, New Zealand is a contender for marriage equality in 2012.

Another country that may officially get it in 2012 is Uruguay, where a bill is being debated; being in the Southern hemisphere, its legislature is currently sitting.

There are reports that same-sex marriages are allowed under the existing law in Uruguay, following a court victory last month.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_unions_in_Uruguay

For 2013, Colombia and France, at a minimum, will get marriage equality.

Shofixti

July 28th, 2012

Yay, thanks for covering news from my country ^_^

james

July 28th, 2012

It’s always good to hear about what’s going on somewhere else in the world besides the US. Keep us posted.

Hunter

July 29th, 2012

I see in the news this morning that Vietnam is ready to consider legalizing same-sex marriage. No promises, but just considering it is a major step.

tavdy79

July 29th, 2012

You can add Vietnam (!) to the list as well – whether it will be full equality or separate-and-unequal is not yet clear, but they are moving on it.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/07/29/vietnam-considers-legal-recognition-for-gay-couples/

Now ain’t that an insult: Vietnam could legalise gay marriage before the land of the free stops dragging its heels and gets round to it.

Does anyone have a complete list of all the countries currently considering legalisation? At the moment I know the list includes Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Luxembourg, England & Wales, France, Israel, Finland, Turkey and Nepal, but I’m pretty sure that’s not all of them.

F Young

July 29th, 2012

@tavdy79 “Does anyone have a complete list of all the countries currently considering legalisation? At the moment I know the list includes…”

I don’t my own list, but you may find this Wikipedia list helpful:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage#Subject_debated

You can definitely add Colombia and Uruguay to your list.

A bill has been introduced in Uruguay and will be debated before the New Year.

By court order, Columbia will get marriage equality before July 2013 whether a bill is passed or not.

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