This Day in History: 14 November 2006
On 14 November 2006, parliament approved the controversial Civil Unions Bill, which provided for same-sex marriage, making South Africa the first African country to do so and one of only a few in the world at the time.
MPs from the African National Congress were required to support the bill, which was passed by the National Assembly 230 to 41. The measure was opposed by almost all opposition parties except the Democratic Alliance. The DA allowed its members a free vote on the issue. The acceptance of the bill was denounced by other African countries.
The bill provided for opposite-sex and same-sex couples of 18 years or older to register a voluntary union, either by marriage or civil partnership.
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka signed the bill into law on 30 November 2006. The first couple to wed, Vernon Gibbs and Tony Halls, did so in George, Western Cape, the following day, 1 December 2006
