‘graham’ at Kiwiblog asks:
I’m confused about one thing in this debate.
For some time, the supporters of this bill have been telling us that it’s really not a big deal, it won’t make any difference to the majority of people, and it’s not that big a change, etc.
So why was there such passion, such interest, such excitement last night from the bill’s supporters, over a “relatively minor change”?
One small step for equality, one giant step for homosexuals.
Your NZ 
graham
/ 18th April 2013But Pete, the homosexuals are the ones who were telling us that it wasn’t a big deal. And now you’re saying it’s a giant step for homosexuals.
So which is it?
Pete George
/ 18th April 2013It is a big deal for them.
For the rest of us it hasn’t been a big deal and won’t be a big deal, but some have shared in the historic occasion last night.
scottfack
/ 18th April 2013As a homosexual, it’s a giant step. Why? Because now I, and my relationship with my partner, is equal in the eyes of the law. Fully equal. It’s a giant step because my transgendered student and friend can now change her birth certificate to female without having to annul her marriage certificate. It’s a giant step for all those people who want the legal power to adopt and have their relationships with their partner’s children recognised legally.
While I wasn’t fussed if it happened last night (as I know New Zealand would have eventually come around), the issue itself was a big deal.