New Zealand’s anti-gay marriage lobby group has gathered 72,000 signatures opposing a bill that will legalize same-sex marriage.

Family First said they would present the petition to a parliamentary select committee currently receiving submissions about plans to legalize gay marriage in New Zealand.

‘This is an incredible response considering it’s not part of a formal Referendum, and it certainly shows the level of public opposition to the bill,’ said Bob McCoskrie, national director of Family First.

The Marriage Amendment Bill passed its first reading last August by 80 ayes to 40 noes.

The select committee will present their report on the submissions received on 28 February and the bill will have its second reading in parliament on 20 March, when it is likely to be passed.

Family First started its petition last July and claimed to have gathered 20,000 signatures by August. But that figure was questioned when fake names such as Donald Duck, Jesus Christ and im gay were found on the petition.

A national poll in June 2012 showed that 63% of New Zealanders support same-sex marriage.