Editorial: Debate that has divided country

The word "divisive" has been bandied around a lot since Margaret Thatcher died - and the reason was evident in news reports and social media.

How often do you see people's deaths so widely celebrated and mourned at the same time?

A similar division is now being witnessed in New Zealand with this week's passing of the Marriage Amendment Bill legalising gay marriage.

Few issues recently have polarised Kiwis this much, or engaged them to such a degree.

A quick post on our Facebook page on Wednesday night asking readers' responses to the historic decision sparked an overwhelming response - one of the biggest on our page.

It's a lively and passionate debate, with - at time of writing - more than 170 comments for and against the bill, a small portion of which you can read on this page.

A poll on our website yesterday showed about 80 per cent of respondents either support gay marriage or aren't bothered by it.

The New Zealand Herald's website poll showed 46 per cent support with 10 per cent who "don't care either way".

Whether these results reflect the feeling in the wider community remains to be seen, but unlike with the passing of the Civil Union Act in 2004, we haven't seen protest marches like the "Enough is Enough" one where the Destiny Church combined with the Christian Heritage Party and reportedly members of the National Front in a black-shirted demonstration.

What next, now the bill has passed?

Conservative Party leader Colin Craig, possibly the most vocal opponent of gay marriage right now, says "the day of reckoning on the redefinition of marriage is still to come" and is calling for a referendum.

But keeping in mind that every party leader in Parliament - except for Winston Peters - supported the bill, perhaps it could be pointed out to Mr Craig the referendum that really counts is the one being held next year and every three years - the general election.