On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world, the first country in the Americas, and the first country outside Europe to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act which provided a gender-neutral marriage definition. This is such an non issue here, I can hardly believe the backwardness of other countries.
Great news for many and in particular for kakka and her daughter. They are just so pleased but of course disappointed with our pollies in Canberra. I feel that all politicians should have a conscience vote on the matter. What annoys me with our PM is that she obviously doesn't believe in marriage of any kind so maybe that is why she is not in favour of same-sex marriage. I know people are against it because of their religious beliefs and if this is the case I admire them for maintaining their beliefs even if I don't agree with them.
Mimsie: I hope that we will follow suit, sooner rather than later. I have never heard Julia say that she is against marriage. If you mean because she has never married, then neither have I. Neither of our major parties have covered themselves in glory over this issue. Julia has said firmly that she believes marriage can only be between a man and a woman. Tony's religious beliefs are his sticking point - but he has said firmly that he will not allow a conscience vote. Hiss and spit to both of them.
Karen (and the Canadians) have their priorities right.I don't give a twopenny hoot if Australia wins the silly football. I'm proud that my country has done the right thing, if a little slower than some. AOTEAROA!
jenny_o: It was a wonderful speech wasn't it? I do hope that the rest of the world comes to its senses on this issue quickly. People have been discriminated against for far too long.
Thats a pretty good speech from a polly, reasonably straight forward with a nice touch of humour, our lot just fight and argue all the time. Merle.......
trying again ... [http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/04/17/new_zealand_gay_marriage_law_passes_supporters_sing_maori_love_song_in_parliament.html] this is a link to when they read that the law passed, the audience in the room broke out in a beautiful song.
This is wonderful ... we are awaiting the decision of our "far right" controlled Supreme Court on this issue ... will they use their intelligence, as New Zealand did, or will they bully their views through and pretend that their way has to be the way of all of us in this land of equality. I pray they do the right thing ...
I had posted this on my Facebook page. This was hysterical, to the point and very serious. My wife and I got married back in 2008 when Massachusetts legalized same sex marriage. It was "recognized" here in New York, but we couldn't marry here for some reason. It's great to see other states, other countries and nations coming together and realizing that this is a human right. 50 years ago, blacks and interracial couples couldn't marry due to the same legalities. It's amazing how progressive it's becoming, and more accepting - even if their religious beliefs are far from accepting. Sadly, there are people who are highly against this, comparing us to pedophiles, rapists and murderers. I've even heard one gentleman said, "What next? Are people gonna wanna marry their pets now?" ......I mean ---- REALLY? You see the true colors of people once this kind of topic comes out up to the surface. You see the real bigotry and twisted cherry picked verses of the holy bible. This video was just amazing and I thank you for posting it.
Deb: The gentleman with the pets comment is no gentleman. Bigotted and nasty. I think it is a no-brainer, but I am not a politician. And can only keep lobbying ours.
The rest of the world advances... while here in the "Land of the Free" so many are heading further back into the dark ages... I despair for us. But am delighted by the fine example set by NZ!
Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): We are not doing very well on this issue either. Never mind the very well - we are doing badly here. I can't see the shift happening soon. And in one of our paper's yesterday a lovely soul was asking whether this would make it 'right' to marry your sibling or your mother -just because you wanted to. Sometimes I despair. Often I despair.
We're all moving forward and hopefully we'll get there in the end. One day human beings no matter what their sexual orientation will be allowed to love each other without being held in judgement and fear. Thank you for this very enlightening video.
DeniseinVA: I hope that day comes soon. I suppose that as Deb (previous comment) says it is not long since interracial marriage was banned. And not long since women did not have the vote - and here in Australia our indigenous people got the vote much, much later than they should. Justice needs to be done.
Kath Lockett: Sweaty eyeballs here too. If you get a chance follow Cindi's link to the very beautiful celebration when the bill was passed. Beautiful and moving. And I love the numbers of people who knew the song and could (and would) sing it.
EC, I learned Pokare in 2nd class at school in Sydney and I've sung it with gusto ever since. Made me cry hearing it sung in Parliament. Thank goodness for our wonderful Kiwis. Surely it must be our turn very soon.
RH: No, I don't agree with you at all. Which will not surprise you. And, if who is allowed to raise children is brought into the equation, I think we need to look at everyone. There are heterosexual people who should not raise children as well. And have always been.
Wendy aka Quillfeather: If there weren't then Maurice's stunning speech would be unnecessary. And I doubt that I disagree with him any more strongly than he does with me (and you).
Great speech, I enjoyed his wit (got a real chuckle over his thermodynamic argument against burning in hell forever!) We could use him here, too, though it's heartening that remarkable strides have been made toward marriage equality recently, and the more intolerant "isms" we can erase from our hearts, minds, and societies, the better. I believe there's not enough love in this world, and if two people want to affirm their commitment to one another through the legal and/or spiritual vows of marriage then I'm all for it. I certainly can't see how it adversely affects or harms me or anyone else in any way, while bigotry and social injustice certainly can and do.
Laloofah: The very brief eternity made me smile too. And yes, the sooner we eliminate bigotry and injustice the better. An ongoing project I know, but such a worthwhile one.
Well darlings if you reckon that was clever your standards are kindergarten. Oscar Wilde it ain't. This was a load of drivel: trite, unmemorable, forgotten in a few days. That's always the trouble with Australian 'humour'.
Coolest thing EVER!
ReplyDeletemiddle child: Welcome - and isn't it brilliant. And a most excellent speech too.
DeleteOn July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world, the first country in the Americas, and the first country outside Europe to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act which provided a gender-neutral marriage definition.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an non issue here, I can hardly believe the backwardness of other countries.
Ksren: I wish it was a non-issue here. So very much.
DeleteWell, you're quite far advanced from some nations up there.
DeleteGreat news for many and in particular for kakka and her daughter. They are just so pleased but of course disappointed with our pollies in Canberra. I feel that all politicians should have a conscience vote on the matter. What annoys me with our PM is that she obviously doesn't believe in marriage of any kind so maybe that is why she is not in favour of same-sex marriage. I know people are against it because of their religious beliefs and if this is the case I admire them for maintaining their beliefs even if I don't agree with them.
ReplyDeleteMimsie: I hope that we will follow suit, sooner rather than later. I have never heard Julia say that she is against marriage. If you mean because she has never married, then neither have I. Neither of our major parties have covered themselves in glory over this issue. Julia has said firmly that she believes marriage can only be between a man and a woman. Tony's religious beliefs are his sticking point - but he has said firmly that he will not allow a conscience vote. Hiss and spit to both of them.
DeleteKaren (and the Canadians) have their priorities right.I don't give a twopenny hoot if Australia wins the silly football. I'm proud that my country has done the right thing, if a little slower than some.
ReplyDeleteAOTEAROA!
dinahmow: I am envious. Very.
DeleteYay for New Zealand! And the fellow in the video is a grand speaker :)
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that it's just a matter of time before the rest of the world evolves too.
As Karen said, this is such a non-issue in Canada now. It makes me glad to live here.
jenny_o: It was a wonderful speech wasn't it? I do hope that the rest of the world comes to its senses on this issue quickly. People have been discriminated against for far too long.
DeleteABSOLUTELY!! Hear, hear!
ReplyDeleteCome ON Australia!
Vicki: QUICKLY. Please.
DeleteYay! Makes me proud to be a New Zealander. Good old Maurice - it was a VERY good speech (even though he's a member of the wrong party ...)
ReplyDeleteAlexia: And it should be a given regardless of what side of politics you come from. Or I think so.
DeleteThats a pretty good speech from a polly, reasonably straight forward with a nice touch of humour, our lot just fight and argue all the time.
ReplyDeleteMerle.......
Merlesworld: It was a very good speech I thought. A rarity in the political world.
DeleteHi EC,
ReplyDeleteHA HA!!! That is fantastic!!! We need that guy over here.
:-)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: You can have him, but after us. We need him too.
DeleteA wonderful speech!
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Wasn't it?
DeleteSpot on.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: And I want us to follow suit. I really want us to follow suit.
DeleteLovely lovely lovely
ReplyDeleteJohn Gray: Humour and a commitment to social justice. It doesn't get much better than that.
DeleteAbsolutely, EC. It's amazing that this country hasn't done so. I thought we were smarter than that.
ReplyDeleteCat Drawings: I hope we will become more intelligent about this issue. How is the far North treating you? And the moggies?
DeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteLynn: Isn't it?
Deletetrying again ... [http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/04/17/new_zealand_gay_marriage_law_passes_supporters_sing_maori_love_song_in_parliament.html]
ReplyDeletethis is a link to when they read that the law passed, the audience in the room broke out in a beautiful song.
Cindi Summerlin: Tears in my eyes here. Thank you SO MUCH, for both links.
DeleteThank you for the link, Cindi. This made me so proud - and, like Elephant's Child, I had tears in my eyes.
DeleteArohanui.
I just loved this video! I was laughing and crying at the same time. Kudos to the Kiwis! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Lots and lots of Kudos to the Kiwis.
DeleteThis is wonderful ... we are awaiting the decision of our "far right" controlled Supreme Court on this issue ... will they use their intelligence, as New Zealand did, or will they bully their views through and pretend that their way has to be the way of all of us in this land of equality. I pray they do the right thing ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Andrea: I really wish that our politicians would stop grand-standing on this issue and recognise that it is about justice and equality.
DeleteHear, hear!
ReplyDeleteShared on my FB page.
Pearl
Pearl: Thank you for spreading the joy.
DeleteI had posted this on my Facebook page. This was hysterical, to the point and very serious. My wife and I got married back in 2008 when Massachusetts legalized same sex marriage. It was "recognized" here in New York, but we couldn't marry here for some reason. It's great to see other states, other countries and nations coming together and realizing that this is a human right. 50 years ago, blacks and interracial couples couldn't marry due to the same legalities. It's amazing how progressive it's becoming, and more accepting - even if their religious beliefs are far from accepting. Sadly, there are people who are highly against this, comparing us to pedophiles, rapists and murderers. I've even heard one gentleman said, "What next? Are people gonna wanna marry their pets now?" ......I mean ---- REALLY? You see the true colors of people once this kind of topic comes out up to the surface. You see the real bigotry and twisted cherry picked verses of the holy bible. This video was just amazing and I thank you for posting it.
ReplyDeleteDeb: The gentleman with the pets comment is no gentleman. Bigotted and nasty. I think it is a no-brainer, but I am not a politician. And can only keep lobbying ours.
DeleteThe rest of the world advances... while here in the "Land of the Free" so many are heading further back into the dark ages... I despair for us. But am delighted by the fine example set by NZ!
DeletePaper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): We are not doing very well on this issue either. Never mind the very well - we are doing badly here. I can't see the shift happening soon. And in one of our paper's yesterday a lovely soul was asking whether this would make it 'right' to marry your sibling or your mother -just because you wanted to. Sometimes I despair. Often I despair.
DeleteWe're all moving forward and hopefully we'll get there in the end. One day human beings no matter what their sexual orientation will be allowed to love each other without being held in judgement and fear. Thank you for this very enlightening video.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I hope that day comes soon. I suppose that as Deb (previous comment) says it is not long since interracial marriage was banned. And not long since women did not have the vote - and here in Australia our indigenous people got the vote much, much later than they should. Justice needs to be done.
DeleteI posted this on facebook yesterday. LC, Sapph and I sat and listened and had a few laughs and then got slightly misty eyed. He's a dead set legend!
ReplyDeleteKath Lockett: Sweaty eyeballs here too. If you get a chance follow Cindi's link to the very beautiful celebration when the bill was passed. Beautiful and moving. And I love the numbers of people who knew the song and could (and would) sing it.
DeleteWe all know this song, EC!
Delete:) :)
Alexia: Another area where New Zealand leaves us for dead.
DeleteEC, I learned Pokare in 2nd class at school in Sydney and I've sung it with gusto ever since. Made me cry hearing it sung in Parliament. Thank goodness for our wonderful Kiwis. Surely it must be our turn very soon.
DeleteCarol: I do hope so. And I too wept hearing it sung in Parliament.
DeleteThat was absolutely fabulous....what a great guy and what an amazing speech.
ReplyDeletemybabyjohn>Delores: I really couldn't fault the speech and am so happy that the Bill was passed. By quite a large margin.
DeleteOh, that was awesome!I wish he'd come over to the US and talk some sense into our rabble of politicians.
ReplyDeleteLaura Eno: He can come and see your politicians AFTER he has talked sense into ours. On both sides of the political divide.
DeleteYou can always count on us kiwis!
ReplyDeleteWendy aka Quillfeather: And I am ashamed that we are so far behind you on this issue.
DeleteI agree wholeheartedly, EC! Smart move by the Kiwis! :)
ReplyDeleteLee: Wasn't it WONDERFUL.
DeleteThat was, like, the best four minutes of my life! Thanks so much for sharing! I sent it everywhere.
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: Such a magical moment. A sane politician. Who would have thought...
Deletewhat a hoot, be ye not afraid.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: Such a talented speaker - for a most excellent cause too.
DeleteFunny and poignant speech. Eloquent speaker. Roar on, NZ!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: And perhaps drag/shame some other countries nearby into also coming to their senses.
DeleteOne can always hope!
ReplyDeleteDave King: And this one does. Fervently.
DeleteI saw this already from a posting on Facebook and loved it!
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: I love that it is being spread far and wide.
DeleteThis bloke is a crawler. Boot-licker.
ReplyDeleteThink about it, any bloke wanting to put his doodle up another bloke's arse can't be right in the head.
Well I don't care, it's just misfortune, but I'll fight to the end against them raising kids.
RH: No, I don't agree with you at all. Which will not surprise you. And, if who is allowed to raise children is brought into the equation, I think we need to look at everyone. There are heterosexual people who should not raise children as well. And have always been.
DeleteDear god! I didn't think there were still people in the world with views like that (above).
DeleteWendy aka Quillfeather: If there weren't then Maurice's stunning speech would be unnecessary. And I doubt that I disagree with him any more strongly than he does with me (and you).
DeleteMiss Wendy, what world? There's seven billion in this one, my view is with the majority.
ReplyDeleteR.H: I do hope you are wrong.
DeleteGreat speech, I enjoyed his wit (got a real chuckle over his thermodynamic argument against burning in hell forever!) We could use him here, too, though it's heartening that remarkable strides have been made toward marriage equality recently, and the more intolerant "isms" we can erase from our hearts, minds, and societies, the better. I believe there's not enough love in this world, and if two people want to affirm their commitment to one another through the legal and/or spiritual vows of marriage then I'm all for it. I certainly can't see how it adversely affects or harms me or anyone else in any way, while bigotry and social injustice certainly can and do.
ReplyDeleteLaloofah: The very brief eternity made me smile too. And yes, the sooner we eliminate bigotry and injustice the better. An ongoing project I know, but such a worthwhile one.
DeleteMazel Tov, hooray!
ReplyDeleteMitzi G Burger: Many more than three cheers...
DeleteWell darlings if you reckon that was clever your standards are kindergarten. Oscar Wilde it ain't. This was a load of drivel: trite, unmemorable, forgotten in a few days.
ReplyDeleteThat's always the trouble with Australian 'humour'.
R.H.: You are not going to change my mind, nor me yours so perhaps we should agree to disagree.
DeleteHoping this is the first of many such celebrations... Sadly, it will be quite a few years before we can rejoice in this corner of earth.
ReplyDeletedaisyfae: And sadly here too. (Though I will be very happy to be proved wrong.)
DeleteChange your mind? I'm not interested. Do it yourself.
ReplyDeleteThis is cool!
ReplyDeleteValarie: It is very cool indeed.
Delete