After a campaign (for want of a better word) that was marked by remarkably respectful debate, Parliament passed the legislation in a conscience vote (where MPs don't have to vote along party lines), with 77 votes for and 44 against.
One thing that has surprised me is the way that this particular debate seems to have generated a huge interest, particularly amongst younger people, in the political process. People have talked about it at work, chatted about it on Facebook, and even watched the live debates on Parliament TV (the channel where entertainment usually goes to die).
It also appears that the number of same-sex couples likely to take advantage of the law change will dramatically outstrip the number who elected to have a Civil Union ceremony after that law was passed around six years ago. Perhaps people were holding out for the real thing.
Mods, feel free to move this to the 'Tank.
