http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130417/world/new-zealand-passes.465886
Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 12:45 by PA
Hundreds of jubilant gay rights advocates celebrated at New Zealand's Parliament today as the country become the 13th in the world and the first in the Asia-Pacific region to legalise same-sex marriage.
Politicians voted 77 to 44 in favour of the gay marriage Bill.
People watching from the public gallery immediately broke into song after the result was announced, singing a New Zealand anthem in the indigenous Maori language.
Leaders of most political parties encouraged politicians to vote as their consciences dictated rather than along party lines.
Same-sex marriage is currently recognised in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina and Denmark. Politicians in Uruguay approved a law last week which President Jose Mujica is expected to sign.
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