Same-Sex Marriage Legalised in Australia
Australian Parliament legalises same-sex marriage
After a nationwide survey showed that majority of Australians were strongly in favour of same-sex marriage, the Australian parliament has officially passed The Marriage Amendment Bill which changes the definition of marriage from exclusively referring to a man and a woman to a "union of two people."
The marriage amendment bill passed the senate on November 28th and was then passed in the House of Representatives in an unchallenged fashion, only four voted against the bill with the vast majority voting in favour.
Image Credit: www.thestar.com
The bill was granted royal assent by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove which formally made the bill an act of parliament.
Although the bill passed with flying colours, same-sex marriages will not be permitted until the 9th of January due to the one-month notice period required under the act.
"What a day. What a day for love, for equality, for respect, Australia has done it. Every Australian had their say and they said it is fair." - Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The government finally announced that same-sex couples will be permitted to apply for marriage starting as early as this week.
Congratulations Australia!