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A day of celebration for equality and LGBTI rights

Louisa WALL
MP for Manurewa
19 August 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

A day of celebration for equality and LGBTI rights

Today, any two people regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity can marry in New Zealand. It is a milestone that is cause for joy and celebration, says Labour MP, Louisa Wall.

“I am immensely proud to have led the campaign for marriage equality in New Zealand that gave same-sex couples and LGBTI New Zealanders the legal right to marry.

“The law allowing same-sex couples the right to marry came into effect today, with committed couples across the country taking the opportunity to formalise their relationship.

“Today is the day the rights we have been fighting for are realised, with full recognition by the state of our equal citizenship.

“LGBTI New Zealanders can now celebrate their love for one another with their family, whanau and friends and have their commitment recognised in the eyes of the law and across society.

“Equality of outcome is something I will fight for in my work as a Member of Parliament. It makes me immensely proud to see New Zealand again leading the way with the continuation of our proud tradition of universal human rights for all people.

“I want to take this opportunity to encourage LGBTI communities, advocates of universal human rights, social justice, and politicians worldwide to champion global homosexual law reform.

“The plight of the LGBTI community continues. I stand in solidarity with advocates across the world and am committed to continuing to fight for universal human rights for all citizens of the world.

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“I hope the New Zealand experience will inspire others to eliminate inequality and discrimination where they see it and to fight for what is right, fair and just.

“Again, I want to thank the Campaign for Marriage Equality, Legalise Love and the numerous church and community leaders and groups across society who have worked so hard for this outcome. I also want to acknowledge my parliamentary colleagues for their support. Today is the day for us to recognise our collective efforts in our fight for equality, non-discrimination and LGBTI rights.”

ENDS

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