Hundreds of people rallying in support of same-sex marriage have marched through central Wellington to Parliament this afternoon.
The rally coincides with the first reading of Labour MP Louisa Wall’s Marriage Amendment Bill, which aims to legalise marriage between same-sex couples.
Ms Wall met the marchers when they arrived at Parliament, thanking them for their support.
“I’m very clear that we have an inherent discrimination currently perpetuated by the state of Aotearoa against some of our citizens.
“I look out there and see a truly rainbow nation….This bill is fundamentally about universal human rights,” she said.
“I want to thank you all – tonight is going to be historic.”
Green MP Kevin Hague also spoke, telling the crowd they look “fabulous”.
“In this place, it’s almost unheard of that we get to deal with an issue that has an absolutely compelling, 100 percent evidence based argument t behind it that brings huge benefit to so many people and harms nobody.
“I want to pay particular thanks to the leader of our movement, Louisa Wall…and to the heterosexual people who have come out to support us in this, you’re all amazing,” he said.
Those marching included members of pro-rights groups Legalise Love and the Queer Avengers.
National’s Tau Henare pledged his support to the crowd
“How it affects me and my marriage, I still haven’t worked that one out so if you’re struggling with that one, keep struggling because there’s no answer for it.
“If you want to get married, go get married. If you love someone, the state gives you a licence to recognise that happiness and recognise that relationship,” he said
Cabinet Minister Chris Finlayson, who is gay, revealed today he would be voting against the bill, as did National MP Melissa Lee.
There were also around a dozen gay marriage opponents from a Korean church, who held signs saying “One man. One woman. That’s true marriage”.
The vote is expected tonight at around 9 o’clock.
3 News