New Zealand Parliament Passes Gay Marriage Law, Sings in Celebration [VIDEO]

New Zealand's parliament voted in favor of allowing same-sex marriage on Wednesday, prompting cheers, applause and the singing.
The New Zealand Parliament couldn't contain itself after approving an amendment to the country's 1955 marriage laws that legalizes gay marriage. its members immediately broke into song to celebrate the moment.

Supporters of the bill, including lawmakers, cheered and then sang, in harmony, the Maori love song "Pokarekare Ana" (singing begins at 1:15) after the voting had concluded. Parliament members congratulated each other on the historic ruling and some people on the floor joined in singing too! If you're not able to decipher the words to the tune, it's because it's in Maori, an indigenous language of New Zealand.

The new law makes New Zealand the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to allow gay marriage, giving supporters plenty of reason to sing.  The law goes into effect mid-August.

"Two-thirds of parliament have endorsed marriage equality," Louisa Wall, the openly gay opposition Labor Party MP who promoted the bill, told reporters after the vote. "It shows that we are building on our human rights as a country. “ Wall is seen in the video on the floor of Parliament wearing a multi-colored top.

New Zealand becomes the 13th country to legalize same-sex marriages, after Uruguay passed its own law last week. Australia last year rejected a similar proposal.
Countries where such marriages are legal include Canada, Spain and Sweden, in addition to some states in the United States.

France is close to legalizing same-sex marriages amid increasingly vocal opposition.
77% of 121 members of New Zealand’s parliament voted in favor of amending the current 1955 Marriage Act to allow same-sex couples to marry, making New Zealand the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so.

The bill was opposed by the Roman Catholic Church and some conservative religious, political and social groups which campaigned that it would undermine the institution of the family.

"I have a boyfriend, so it means we can get married, which is a good thing," said Timothy Atkins, a student who was among the crowd listening to the hearing in the parliamentary lobby.

"It's important to be seen as equal under the law."

The bill was expected to pass, but it’s still a relief that it was successful. This is a big step in moving closer to equality amongst mankind.