Oxford dictionary definition of marriage:
noun
1) the formal union of a man and a woman, typically as recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife:
“she has three children from a previous marriage”
[mass noun] the state of being married:
“women want equality in marriage”
(in some jurisdictions) a union between partners of the same sex.
2) a combination or mixture of elements:
“her music is a marriage of funk, jazz, and hip hop”

Oxford dictionary definition of marriage:
noun
1) the formal union of a man and a woman, typically as recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife:
“she has three children from a previous marriage”
[mass noun] the state of being married:
“women want equality in marriage”
(in some jurisdictions) a union between partners of the same sex.
2) a combination or mixture of elements:
“her music is a marriage of funk, jazz, and hip hop”

The reason not everybody calls it marriage is perhaps due to the defining attributes of the word implying a man and a woman, rather than a question of equality.
E.g if a lesbian couple bring up a child, does the child have a “daddy”? Should we redefinine the word “father” to include women?
And If civil partnerships were deemed equal in the eyes of the law, what’s the problem?

Oxford dictionary definition of marriage:
noun
1) the formal union of a man and a woman, typically as recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife:
“she has three children from a previous marriage”
[mass noun] the state of being married:
“women want equality in marriage”
(in some jurisdictions) a union between partners of the same sex.
2) a combination or mixture of elements:
“her music is a marriage of funk, jazz, and hip hop”

Happily, dictionaries evolve along with language. Even the definiation that Jim posted (thaks!) includes reference to same sex marriage, which ought to please the pedants out there. Well done, Scotland; best of luck, New Zealand.

@Jim: civil partnerships are NOT deemed equal in the eys of the law. There are more than 160 legal differences, chief among them being an outrageous neglect of the rights of the children to access to both their parents. I know two same-sex couple with kids: one set of kids call both parents by their names (but can clearly articulate the parenting roles); the other kid calls her biological father Da and her adoptive father Pop. The issue of language in these scenarios should not be an impediment to access to civil marriage.

Jim, the meaning of words change over time, that’s why they keep producing new ones. If you don’t believe me have a look at one from 50 years ago, it probably contains words that would get you banned from this website.

Jim, if the dictionary provides an example of it being between two people of the same sex, it’s a bit ridiculous to state that should just be ignored to make your point.

Ah good auld Lady Crettin would be better in Iran, their attitudes to homosexuality are right up her street!

And if they vote yes, ye can all move there.

Sorry to be pedantic, but the article would quite rightly raise some “wtf’s” if it read:

“NEW ZEALAND MPS are to vote on a bill that would legalise marriage.”

#justsaying #don’tbitemyheadoff

yes i get that, but it could say ‘ NEW ZEALAND TO INTRODUCE MARRIAGE EQUALITY”!!

Come on Troll Blue, I mean True Blue! Give us your name and stop hiding behind anonymity you coward!