New Zealand passed the Civil Union Bill by 65 – 55 votes. Six of the eight parties in Parliament showed some support in the conscience vote (members not restricted to a party vote). Over half of the members of New Zealand’s most conservative party (ACT) supported it. About half of New Zealand public support it.

The main opposition was a U.S.-styled evangelical church and politicians hoping to court the religious vote for greater power as successfully demonstrated in the U.S.

Though the bill initiated some limited controversy, an easy passage.

Good news for the New Zealanders !(are the inhabitants of New Zealnd called in this way, right?)

[ December 12, 2004, 01:58 AM: Message edited by: andrea ]

Way to go New Zealand. The more I keep hearing about all these countries passing lesgislation like this, the more isolated I feel about our current situation in the U.S. frown

I think that it is a matter of time before our country will progress to the full legalization of civil unions. Didn't W claim to be in support of them the day before the election?

I see us getting C.U.s in the states sooner than later...

I think New Zealanders are affectionately referred to as Kiwis, aren't they?

Also- legally if civil unions do not provide the same legalities as marriage, would that become a "separate but equal" issue?