Wairarapa Labour Party chairman Kieran McAnulty expects hundreds of "yes" campaigners, who are expected to pack the public gallery of Parliament, will be "jubilant" after the Marriage Equality Bill passes the third reading on Wednesday as expected.
"It's hugely significant, it's probably the last barrier of equality between heterosexuals and homosexuals. Only 20 years ago it was illegal to be a homosexual. I know it's controversial but in 5-10 years I'm sure a lot of people will wonder what all the fuss was about," Mr McAnulty said.
The controversial bill previously passed its first and second readings 80-40 and 77-44 respectively and political analysts and observers believe the sizeable winning margins should result in a comfortable and historic victory for the "yes" side. If passed, the Marriage Equality Bill will become legal this week.
Mr McAnulty expects there will be excitement, emotion and happiness and he believes the "no" campaign will not be subjected to negative criticism after the third reading. "There's no hatred or [anger] from people on the pro equal-marriage side. While some of the references were regretful which were said against us, the pro-marriage campaign have tried to bend over backwards to try to accommodate religious [views].
The Wairarapa nominee hopeful was highly critical of MP for Wairarapa John Hayes who stated in a speech in Parliament during the first reading last August that he canvassed several thousand Wairarapa residents over same-sex marriage and he said some responded that the bill would lead to polygamy and legalised incest.
