Today I experienced something very special. A very quiet moment of intense relief.
My dear friend Hannah sent me a message this afternoon that started out with these words:
"In light of todays announcement, I think a celebratory drink is in order...."
My heart skipped a beat! I quickly logged onto the interwebs and found the news I was hoping to see.
Today, Labour MP Louisa Wall's Marriage Equality amendment bill was drawn from the ballot box in parliament. This bill has the potential to update New Zealand's definition of marriage to include protection for queer and gender diverse couples, couples who experience gender transition over the course of their marriage and open the door for greater discussion on adoption laws which currently only allow a single person or a married couple to adopt a child (ruling out a same sex couple).
Many friends have heard me rant and rave about the institution of marriage being one that reinforces oppressive hierarchies of certain relationships over others but I am very excited to see this step being made. I think it is really important to remember that there is all sorts of equality to fight for in our communities. And this is one of those things to fight for.
Drop your local MP an email and tell them that equality matters. This bill still has a long way to go and part of the process includes Members of Parliament figuring out which way they should vote.
The precious feeling I experienced when I read a Hannah's text message this afternoon is one I want to experience over and over and over again. Great change is in the water.
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