By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Only four lawmakers voted against the bill, which makes Australia the 26th country to legalize marriage equality.
Love won in Australia. After a long, bitter postal vote over whether to legalize same-sex marriage ended with overwhelming support, the Australian Parliament voted today to officially legalize marriage equality, which makes the country the 26th in the world to legalize it.
Related | Australians Vote 'YES' on Same-Sex Marriage Equality
The historic victory for the country comes after years of conservative backlash against the measure and 22 different attempts to legalize same-sex marriage. In a speech about the decisive victory, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who has been a longtime supporter of same-sex marriage, made this statement: "This belongs to us all. This is Australia: fair, diverse, loving and filled with respect. For every one of us this is a great day." After the vote, a chorus of the popular song "I Am Australian" broke out amongst the lawmakers.
\u201cPublic gallery erupts into chorus of 'I Am Australian' after Parliament votes to legalise same-sex marriage #auspol #SSM\u201d— ABC News (@ABC News) 1512631126
The new bill changes the definition of marriage from "the union of a man and a woman" to "the union of two people," and automatically recognizes same-sex marriages from other countries.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
