The marriage equality bill passed another legislative hurdle on Wednesday night, but four National MPs have withdrawn their support since the first vote.
The bill, in the name of Labour Party MP Louisa Wall, amends the Marriage Act so that two people - regardless of their gender - can marry.
Louisa Wall. Photo: LABOUR PARTY
It passed its second reading in Parliament by 77 votes to 44, compared with the first reading vote of 80 votes to 40.
The numbers have moved around a bit, partly because one Labour MP did not register a vote on the first reading.
On Wednesday, four National Party MPs withdrew their support; they were the MP for Rangitikei Ian McKelvie and ministers Gerry Brownlee, Murray McCully and Jonathan Coleman.
MPs also decisively voted down a New Zealand First attempt to hold a referendum, before the bill could become law.
That was rejected 83 votes to 33.
New Zealand First MP Denis O'Rourke says the overwhelming number of votes against his party's proposal came as no surprise because many MPs think it is their right to make the decision.
New Zealand Bishops Conference president Archbishop John Dew says the progress of the bill does not change the fact that a large portion of New Zealanders remain deeply concerned by the fundamental change to the foundation of the family.
Archbishop Dew says too often children suffer because of the ways adults pursue their own interests and desires, and an adult's claim to a "right to choose" inflicts a penalty on the child.
He says marriage protects the right of the child to be raised, wherever possible, by their biological parents, and to fully experience the parenting of a mother and a father.
