Earlier today, Australia became the 26th country to legalize same-sex marriage. Parliament passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage as a result of a long campaign by same sex marriage proponents. Australia’s House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to support the measure – offered without amendments and with only four dissenting votes.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a supporter of marriage equality, pushed for the bill’s passing before Christmas following the Australian Senate passed its version of the bill in November.
“This is Australia: fair, diverse, loving and filled with respect. For every one of us this is a great day,” Turnbull said on Thursday.
Australians can begin tying the knot in about a month after the law receives royal assent and other formalities.
Mardi Gras in Sydney should be especially festive this year.
For more details about the vote and process, visit the Sydney Morning Herald.
