New Zealand passes 1st stage of gay marriage law

New Zealand Labor party Member of Parliament Su’a William Sio, right, receives a hug from Family First NZ member Steve McRobie after receiving the 50,000-signature petition opposing gay marriage at Parliament in Wellington, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Spurred by President Barack Obama’s public support of same-sex marriage, New Zealand lawmakers were expected Wednesday to cast a first vote in favor of a gay marriage law. PHOTO/AP

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand lawmakers have cast a first vote in favor of a gay marriage law that was given impetus by President Barack Obama’s public support of the issue.

Wednesday’s 78 to 40 vote is the first of three Parliament must take before the bill can become law, a process that typically takes several months. Only a simple majority was needed to ensure a second vote.

Should New Zealand pass the measure into law, it would become the 12th country since 2001 to recognize same-sex marriages. Some U.S. states also recognize such marriages, but the federal government does not. In May, Obama declared his support for same-sex marriage.

Polls indicate about two-thirds of New Zealanders support gay marriage. It also has the support of most of the country’s political leaders.