In South Africa, Parliament has approved a bill to become the first African country to legalize gay marriage. South Africa’s Cabinet approved the law this summer after a high court ruling against denying homosexuals the right to marriage.

South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula: “We do need to fight and resist all forms of discrimination and prejudice, including homophobia.”

The civil union bill awaits approval by the second house of Parliament. It’s expected to come into effect by the end of November.