BREAKING NEWS: New Zealand, today, has become the thirteenth country in the world, and the first in the Asia Pacific region to legalise gay marriage.

Applause, cheering and song erupted in the galleries as it was announced that the Marriage Equality Bill had passed with 77 votes to 44. Legislative formality dictates that the Bill will now await Royal Assent. The bill will come into force four months to the day after Royal Assent has been granted – meaning gay couples will be able to become legally married in New Zealand as early as late August 2013.

Other nations which have legalized same-sex marriage include: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Uruguay. Gay marriage is also legal in 9 states of the U.S, Washington D.C and parts of Brazil and Mexico.

Who else is with me in hoping that Australia is next? is it important to you that your children grow up in a world where everyone is considered equal regardless of sexual orientation?