http://tvnz.co.nz/view/news_national_story_skin/463456%3fformat=htmlThe controversial Civil Union Bill has been passed through parliament by a vote of 65 to 55.
MPs supporting the legislation say it creates a new institution that does not devalue marriage. They say civil unions will be open to both heterosexual and same sex couples. Opponents say it is a gay marriage bill.
The minister in charge of the bill, David Benson-Pope, said calls for a referendum were a last gasp for people who felt they had lost the argument.
He said a referendum was not appropriate because the bill is a human rights issue.New Zealand's only Muslim MP, who refused to vote the first time, supported the bill at the second hearing. Ashraf Choudhary said the law has to treat everyone equally and fairly.
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