Marriage equality lobby group LegaliseLove has teamed up with handmade cosmetics chain LUSH to hold a nationwide protest in support of marriage equality.

All members of the GLBT community and their allies are invited to the ‘Kiss and Tell’ protests, to be held at LUSH stores throughout the country this Saturday 14 July.

Both organisations are calling on the government to take the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill or the Marriage (Equality) Amendment Bill out of the member’s ballot and through the parliamentary process.

“This is an essential step to providing fair and equal rights to New Zealanders,” LUSH said in a statement.

At 1:00 pm, shoppers and staff will be encouraged to pucker up to show their support for marriage equality.

A petition calling on the government to end GLBT discrimination will also be circulating and information on the struggles facing the GLBT community will be available.

“LUSH believes that all of its employees, customers and communities are valued and should be protected equally,” the chain’s statement read.

“LUSH wants to end the ongoing discrimination against thousands of couples and families across New Zealand. This means everyone – regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender orientation – having the freedom to marry, with the same responsibilities, dignity, security and expression of love and equality.”

LegaliseLove is also holding a ‘Meet the Exec’ night at LUSH Old Bank the night before the kiss-in. All those wishing to meet the LegaliseLove team and hear more about the campaign are invited to attend the function, held from 6:30 – 9:00 pm on the lower level of the Old Bank Arcade, Lambton Quay, Wellington.

For more information on the protest, visit the Facebook event page.