Rotorua MP votes against gay marriage bill

Rotorua MP Todd McClay was one of 40 MPs who has voted against a bill that will legalise gay marriage.

The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, sponsored by Labour MP Louisa Wall, passed its first reading in Parliament last night by 80 votes to 40. The conscience vote saw Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell vote in favour of the bill along with Prime Minister John Key while Taupo MP Louise Upston and East Coast MP Anne Tolley both voted against the bill.

Mr McClay was criticised for his decision last night on social networking sites, prompting singer Elizabeth Marvelly to tweet "saddened that my hometown MP Todd McClay voted against".

A constituent also posted on Mr McClay's Facebook page that he believed Mr McClay had let the people of Rotorua down.

"Can you please justify your vote from tonight? Was it your decision or one you made after consultation?"

The public gallery of Parliament was packed for the first reading and The Campaign for Marriage Equality said it was delighted the bill comfortably passed its first reading.

"This vote is a great step forward for equality and fairness in New Zealand," said spokesman Conrad Reyners. "I'd like to thank all the MPs who stood up for equality and for a fair go for everyday Kiwis. It's great to see so many MPs from a diverse range of backgrounds supporting this bill to Select Committee, so that New Zealanders have a chance to have their say on why marriage equality matters."

Ms Wall told Parliament she was proud to sponsor the bill which seeks to define marriage as between two people regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. She acknowledged the bill had attracted passionate reactions but said the calm and measured debate last night was a sign New Zealand had matured in its views.

This is the first hurdle in the transition from this being a bill to an act, said Ms Wall. She said she hoped the support base for the bill would grow as it progressed through a select committee.

" ... Obviously we have a solid base of support but the select committee process will challenge everybody and then there may be other pieces of information that contribute to the decision making of my colleagues.This is just the beginning and adoption could be an issue that comes up at select committee," she said. - APNZ/APN