New Zealand's parliament has voted in favour of allowing same-sexmarriage, prompting cheers, applause and the singing of a traditional Maori celebratory song from the public gallery.

Seventy-seven of 121 members voted in favour of amending the 1955 Marriage Act to allow same-sex couples to wed, making New Zealand the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so.

"Two-thirds of parliament have endorsed marriage equality," said Louisa Wall, a gay opposition Labour party MP who campaigned in favour of the bill. "It shows that we are building on our human rights as a country."

The bill was widely expected to pass, given similar support for the change in a preliminary vote held last month. It is likely to come into effect in August.

New Zealand becomes the 13th country to legalise same-sex marriages, after Uruguay passed the law last week. Australia rejected a similar proposal last year.

Countries where such marriages are legal include Canada, Spain, Sweden and some US states. France is close to legalising same-sex marriage despite increasingly vocal opposition.

The bill was opposed by the Roman Catholic church and some conservative religious, political and social groups, which said it would undermine the institution of the family.

The law makes it clear that clergy can decline to preside over gay marriages if they conflict with their beliefs.

The legislation comes after New Zealand gave same-sex relationships partial recognition in 2005 with the establishment of civil unions.

"I have a boyfriend, so it means we can get married, which is a good thing," said Timothy Atkin, a student who was among a crowd listening to the hearing in the parliamentary lobby. "It's important to be seen as equal under the law."

Source: shafaqna