New Zealand Lawmakers Break Into Song After Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage (Video)

Members of the New Zealand Parliament broke out into song after the country became the 13^th in the world to legalize gay marriage.

In a 77 to 44 vote, the same-sex marriage bill was passed Wednesday night, making New Zealand the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to recognize gay marriages. Not long after the victory was announced, gay rights advocates and began singing the New Zealand love song "Pokarekare Ana" in the indigenous Maori language.

The measure had the support of multiple political parties in the country, including Prime Minister John Key, who is center-right, as the New York Times explains. However, opponents of the bill who were in the room left quietly soon after the measure passed while supporters rejoiced in song.

The bill's sponsor, Louisa Wall, a gay legislator affiliated with the country's Labour party, declared "In our society, the meaning of marriage is universal - it's a declaration of love and commitment to a special person," in a speech that drew a standing ovation. She added that "nothing could make me more proud to be a New Zealander than passing this bill."

The bill was also supported by center-right Prime Minister John Key. "In my view, marriage is a very personal thing between two individuals," Key said. "And, in the end, this is part of equality in modern-day New Zealand."

Since 2005, New Zealand has allowed civil unions, which confer many legal rights to gay couples. The new law will allow gay couples to jointly adopt children for the first time and will also allow their marriages to be recognized in other countries. The law will take effect in late August.