[Marc]

New Zealand's parliament has legalised same-sex marriage, the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so.

Lawmakers approved the bill on Wednesday, amending the country's 1955 marriage act.

The bill was passed with a wide majority, with 77 votes in favour and 44 against.

Hundreds of jubilant gay-rights advocates celebrated outside parliament after the bill was passed, calling it a milestone for equality.

However, there had been strong opposition from Christian lobby groups.

Opinion polls have suggested that about 70% of New Zealanders supported the reform.

Parliamentarians were allowed a conscience vote, and, crucially, the reform had the backing of both the conservative Prime Minister John Key and the leader of the opposition, the BBC's Phil Mercer in Sydney reports.

Celebrations have been held in pubs and clubs in the capital Wellington, our correspondent adds.

Tania Bermudez and Sonja Fray, a same-sex couple, said the bill was about human rights.

"It means that we can actually call each other wife," Ms Fray said.

However, Conservative Party leader Colin Craig said there were many people who disagreed with the bill.

"We're seeing the politicians make a decision tonight that the people of this country wouldn't make," he said.

Lobby group Protect Marriage had also launched an online campaign, saying the change would undermine the traditional concept of marriage.

Other countries who have legalised gay marriage include the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa and Argentina.

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-22184232

[Black Dagger]

It was sort of inevitable to happen soonish, but least it's confirmed.

[Benjamin]

Oh **** you marc, I was about to post this. Debating whether to head out tonight. The bars will be full of people celebrating.

[Vanessa]

You should go out to celebrate, Ben!

[Niamh.]

You should marry someone to celebrate Ben

[Benjamin]

I have the day off too.

I just shouldn't be spending any money.

And LOL, Niamh.

Next thread from me will be announcing that I'm married to some 95 year old maori to obtain my visa.

[Niamh.]

Just make sure he's rich atleast Ben

[Benjamin]

Oh, of course.

-would actually cry if I went out and this happened now-

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Ben

Oh, of course.

-would actually cry if I went out and this happened now-

Would be amazing if he was hot as well as rich!

[arista]

As Long as Ben gets Happy

[Benjamin]

Why are we discussing me getting married? I am not going out, getting drunk and waking up hitched.

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Ben

Why are we discussing me getting married? I am not going out, getting drunk and waking up hitched.

After all the sacrifices and hardships that people made to get you this right? How bloody selfish

[Benjamin]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

After all the sacrifices and hardships that people made to get you this right? How bloody selfish

You know us fags, never satisfied.

[Z]

Originally Posted by Ben

Why are we discussing me getting married? I am not going out, getting drunk and waking up hitched.

Why not? C'mon Ben don't be a buzz kill.

Good stuff, hoping more countries will follow suit!

[Marc]

Ben I'll fly over to be your maid of honour

[Ryan57]

Great news. Hope more countries follow suit.

[Apple202]

[JohnnyBB]

Youtube video

Its very moving this is the moment they all burst into song.
im not gonna lie i had tears!

[MusicMan]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBB

Youtube video

Its very moving this is the moment they all burst into song.
im not gonna lie i had tears!

Very good news indeed.

2:18 Poor lady got rejected!

[Marc]

Ahh that's amazing

[Marsh.]

Who's the butch lesbian?

[Niall]

Another country has come to its senses.

[lostalex]

Congrats New Zealand!

Huge thanks and congratulations to all the campaigners and activists who worked their asses off to make this day happen! Well done!

[Nedusa]

Good News.....about time too !!