Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013

Legislative journey

Labour MP Louisa Wall introduced the bill in May 2012. It was drawn from the member's bill ballot in July. The House of Representatives debated it over several months. Key political figures supported the measure. Opposition parties proposed amendments to delay or reject it. These attempts failed during parliamentary votes. The bill passed its third reading on 17 April 2013. It received Royal Assent two days later.

Public consultation

A select committee reviewed public submissions between August and October 2012. Over twenty-one thousand written responses were received. Many were form submissions, while thousands were unique personal accounts. Oral hearings took place in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The committee recommended proceeding with the bill. They added clauses to protect celebrants who refuse to perform ceremonies based on religious beliefs.

Legal changes

The act amended the Marriage Act 1955. It defined marriage as the union of two people regardless of sex or gender identity. It replaced gendered terms like husband and wife with neutral language. It repealed sections that prevented registrars from updating gender markers for married individuals. It also removed outdated penalties for questioning the validity of civil marriages. These updates ensured the law applied equally to all couples.

Implementation

The law commenced on 19 August 2013. Registrars began accepting applications three days prior to allow processing time. New forms included options for bride, bridegroom, or partner. Thirty-one same-sex couples married on the first day. Overseas same-sex marriages are recognized if one spouse is a New Zealand citizen or from a qualifying country. The Department of Internal Affairs managed the transition to ensure smooth operations.

How Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 is kept

Couples apply for a marriage licence through the Department of Internal Affairs. They choose a celebrant who must be certified to solemnize marriages. The celebrant reads the legal requirements and witnesses the exchange of vows. The couple signs the marriage schedule. The celebrant returns it to the registrar. The marriage becomes legally valid upon registration. Celebrants may decline to officiate if it conflicts with their beliefs.

When and where

The law applies to all weddings since 19 August 2013. Couples can marry at any time after this date. Applications for licences can be submitted up to three days before the ceremony. The process follows standard civil procedures used for opposite-sex marriages.

This law applies throughout New Zealand. It is enforced by the Department of Internal Affairs. Registrars operate in cities such as Auckland and Wellington. The legislation was passed in Wellington by the New Zealand Parliament.

What Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 means

The act symbolizes equal recognition under civil law. It removes distinctions based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It affirms that marriage is a union between two people. The change reflects broader societal acceptance of diverse relationships. It aligns civil rights with personal freedom.

Who takes part

• Louisa Wall: Introduced the bill as a member's bill
• Marriage celebrants: Officiate the ceremony and witness the vows
• Registrars: Process licence applications and register marriages
• Department of Internal Affairs: Manages the implementation and forms
• Parliament: Debated and voted on the bill

Then and now

The law remains current and unchanged. Same-sex marriages are fully recognized alongside opposite-sex unions. No further legislative changes have been made to this specific act. Civil society continues to observe the equality it established.

Questions people ask about Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013

See also

NikahThe Islamic marriage contract that establishes a binding union between two people.Nikah halalaA second marriage required for a woman to remarry her first husband after triple talaq.Common-law marriage in the United StatesA legal union formed by mutual consent and public presentation without a license or ceremony.Polygamy in South AfricaThe practice of men marrying more than one wife under customary and Islamic law in South Africa.

Good reading and sources

• New Zealand legalises same-sex marriageBBC, Article
• New Zealand legalises same-sex marriageBBC, Article

• Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.