lunachick

Americans haven't come that far with regards to Gay Rights, yet.

Here in NZ, we even have legislation that allows couples in a lesbian relationship to have equal parenting rights.

We have the world's longest running queer tv show, Queer Nation.

GLTB's have their own network of businesses, etc, along the lines of the Yellow Pages.

The Hero Parade may not be as big as Sydney's Gay Mardi Gras; but is a great party, nonetheless. As with Sydney, very few people get upset about it. Hardly anyone raises an eyebrow, let alone a Fred Phelps picket, actually.

One of our most loved City Mayors and MP's is the transgendered Georgina Beyer. She won the Mayoralty for her district 3 times; the last time with a clear 90% majority.

And from this site:

Same sex marriage is not legally recognised, but coverage by "The Property (Relationships) Bill" where equal sharing principles apply to same-sex de facto relationships over 3 years duration is now law. I would imagine that same sex marriage won't be too far away.

Immigration Policy for same-sex partners is now the same as for heterosexual de factos - you must have had a relationship with your New Zealand partner for at least 2 years to qualify for permanent residence.

Decriminalisation of sexual acts between consenting males was achieved in 1986 (lesbians could always do it). You may have sex with a person of the same gender so long as you are both over 16 years old and consent.

New Zealand society is generally fairly relaxed in acceptance of gays and lesbians, and it is generally quite safe.
However as in most countries there are also some ignorant homophobic and religious right people unfortunately ready to victimise gay and lesbian citizens whenever they get an opportunity. (But they are few and far between.)

So, we might still have a way to go before we have "full" equal rights for GBLT's, but we're wayyyyy ahead of you Americans.

Nog

You can stay wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy "ahead".

echoes

LOL, I doubt many of us would disagree with you on that. I'm considering leaving this country. It just so happens that my parents are foreigners who plan on leaving anyways. Convenient, huh?

Pain Paien

While you may be happy supporting the continuation of this pseudo-religious bigotry in America, thankfully this is not the case for everyone.

With this kind of positive free-thinking going on around the world, America can only keep itself in the dark ages for so long.

Not to mention, a big step in the right direction has recently been made by the supreme court, so maybe America will begin picking up the slack between us and NZ.

lunachick

ROFL!

Gladly, man. Gladly.

Sauron

Which kinda illustrates *precisely* why you're waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy behind, doesn't it?

meritocrat

So you're gloating over how 'enlightened' and tolerant New Zealand is?

I suppose the US is lacking in giving equal rights to gays. Heck in some US states gay sex is illegal.

matthias j.

It's actually rather sad that some can consider their country "way ahead". I mean, we're not ahead, we're where we're supposed to be, the others are just "behind". But I'm confident that gay marriages will be legalized all over the world in the near future (one has to optimistic).

...

I take it that a certain someone hasn't been watching SCOTUS' decisions lately?

Welcome to the 21st century.

meritocrat

I have been watching SCOTUS and it was only in Texas that the ban on gay sex was overruled.