WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- New Zealand's parliament passed a bill recognizing "civil union" marriages, opening the door to same-sex marriages, New Zealand TV reported Thursday.
The controversial Civil Union Bill passed by a vote of 65-55 in the 120-seat house after hours of furious debate.
Members of parliament supporting the legislation said it creates a new institution that does not devalue marriage, and creates civil unions open to both heterosexual and same sex couples.
Ashraf Choudhary, New Zealand's only Muslim member of parliament, supported the bill on second hearing, saying the law has to treat everyone equally and fairly.
The new law will allow couples to register their relationship as a civil union at the births, deaths and marriages office. It gives them the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples, but marriage will still only be available to a man and a woman.
A change recommended by a committee will also see overseas unions recognized in New Zealand.
The law takes effect April 26.
