In Favour of Marriage

New Zealand lawmakers have overwhelmingly cast a first vote in favour of a gay marriage bill that was given impetus by President Barack Obama’s public support of the issue. The 80 to 40 vote in front of a packed and cheering public gallery was the first of three votes Parliament must hold before the bill can become law, a process that typically takes several months and allows the public to weigh in. Only a simple majority was needed to ensure a second vote, and the margin is a strong indication that the bill will be passed.