Australia Approves Same-Sex Marriage
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In a landslide vote, the House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing same-sex marriages in Australia.
This result brought an end to a decade-long debate. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said, ‘What a day for love, for equality, for respect.’
‘Australia has done it.’
The legalisation drifted through parliament without so much as one amendment after Australians overwhelmingly supported the bill through a voluntary national poll. The country’s governor-general is expected to approve the bill in the next few days, officially putting the passage into law.
Supporters began to sing ‘I am, you are, we are Australian’ after several MPs were spotting hugging each other.
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More than 100 MPs had spoken about the legalisation of same-sex marriage after it was tabled in the House of Representatives. Many supporters gathered on the lawn outside of parliament, including Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe and local comedian Magda Szubanski.
Many MPs and senators shared their personal stories, explaining why they supported the decision. One MPs speech ended with a proposal. Which is a first for the lower house and was incredibly sweet.
Once the bill has been legalised same-sex couples will then be allowed to register to marry. Like heterosexual couples, they must wait 30 days after registering before a ceremony can be held.
Good job Australia.
Good job.