A magic moment in April 2013, when hundreds of the New Zealand House of Parliament was filled with the sound of music. Here is a
youtube video of hundreds of spectators in the gallery, breaking out into song after a law (Definition of Marriage Amendment) was passed, allowing equal marriage rights for LGBT citizens. What makes this video even more lovely, is seeing the members of Parliament join in.
In his youtube video, Martin Richardson goes into more detail about the song:
For my American chums who want to know more about the song being sung: 'Pokarekare ana.' Unofficially it is New Zealand's second national anthem. It is believed to have been communally written by Maori soldiers in training camp during World War I.
Here are the translated lyrics:
Stormy are the waters on restless Waiapu
If you cross them, girl, they will be calmed
Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is dying of love for you.
I have written you a letter, and enclosed with it my ring,
So your people can see how troubled I am
Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is dying of love for you.
Other translated verses to the song include (not sung here):
My pen is shattered, I have no more paper
But my love is still steadfast.
Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is dying of love for you.
My love will never be dried by the sun,
It will be forever moistened by my tears.
Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is dying of love for you.
Jayness33 shows more of video and gives more information about the law.
New Zealand become the 13th country in the world and the first in the Asia-Pacific region to legalize same-sex (equal) marriage. Lawmakers voted 77 to 44 in favor of the bill. Some believe Obama is deserves credit:
The change was given impetus last May when US President Barack Obama declared his support for gay marriage. That prompted Prime Minister Key to break his silence on the issue by saying he was "not personally opposed" to the idea. Bill sponsor, Louisa Wall (shown in the image) then put forward the bill, which she had previously drafted.
One of the standing ovations occurred after Louisa Wall told lawmakers the change was:
"…our road toward healing."
"In our society, the meaning of marriage is universal - it's a declaration of love and commitment to a special person," Wall said. She added that "nothing could make me more proud to be a New Zealander than passing this bill."
It's just a reminder of the love that does exist in this world, and sometimes in government.
Special thanks to Cindi Sherman Brady and Collective Evolution on Facebook