Redefining marriage ‘an arrogant act of cultural vandalism’: New Zealand family leader
AUCKLAND, NZ , August 19, 2013 ( LifeSiteNews.com ) – More than 30 same-sex couples have “married” over the last 24 hours, as New Zealand's Marriage ( Definition of Marriage ) Amendment Act has come into effect. Despite little debate, and strong opposition, politicians chose to pass the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill 77 to 44 in April. Marriage now lawfully means “the union of two people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.” Louisa Wall , the Labour MP who presented the bill that redefined marriage, was present at a lesbian couple ’s wedding at the Auckland Unitarian Church in Ponsonby. She said it was an "amazing day to be here to celebrate” the couple's “the commitment they have to one another and the institution of marriage." But others say the new law defies the national mood and common sense. “Despite their grandiose view, the politicians never had the authority to redefine marriage,” said Bob McCoskrie, ...