New Zealand Parliament rejoices at passing of same sex marriage bill

By Caron Lindsay | Wed 17th April 2013 - 7:30 pm

Something made me cry today, and it involved a bunch of politicians in what is normally a solemn ritual.

It took place in the New Zealand Parliament when MPs voted in favour of same sex marriage. In the House of Commons, you might, if you’re lucky, get some order papers waved. Having said that, I hear tales of The Land and Lloyd George knew my father being sung in the Lords voting lobby by certain of our peers late one night.

Anyway, look at this place – real warm celebrations. Hugs, kisses, flowers and the spontaneous rendition of a Maori love song from the Public Gallery and the Floor of the Parliament.

Take a look round the Chamber, too, and notice what a diverse bunch of people they are. Such a joyful scene is a good way to end the day.

To completely change the subject, if you’ve missed it, there’s been some good news about accreditation for Conference today. I fully expect Gareth Epps and everyone else, like me, who’s been campaigning against the procedures adopted for the last two Autumn Conferences, to rejoice in similar form during the Federal Conference Committee report in Glasgow.

Anyway, you can’t fail to feel cheered by these lovely scenes from Auckland. Let’s hope we see similar celebrations in Scotland and England in the not to distant future.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social

4 Comments

Stuart 17th Apr '13 - 7:39pm

Absolutely delightful… (just one small point: it’s Wellington, not Auckland)
Cllr Mark Wright 17th Apr '13 - 8:02pm

Lovely scenes 🙂
mpg 18th Apr '13 - 7:20am

Fantastic stuff. NZ can be extraordinarily proud of its parliament.
johnmc 18th Apr '13 - 11:29pm

which just goes to show how heartwarming and human liberal politics really are.
I hope that LD parliamentarians who chose not to support the same policy here take note, and reflect.