
Australia has voted by postal ballot to legalise same-sex marriage by a huge margin.
In a non-binding postal survey, in which 79 per cent of the population took part, 61 per cent of the respondents said 'yes' to legalise same-sex marriage.
Around 38 per cent of the population opposed the decision.
Although the survey was not an official referendum that binds Australia legally, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had said he wants to put the result into law by Christmas.
The people of Australia have spoken and I intend to make their wish the law of the land by Christmas. This is an ov… https://t.co/fEmIpJt7pd— Malcolm Turnbull 💉💉 (@Malcolm Turnbull 💉💉) 1510701580
For many in Australia, this is a wonderful watershed moment in their lives.
such a beautiful moment as australia say yes to same-sex marriage. so happy #marriageequality https://t.co/MJyCGTvdOE— holly (@holly) 1510701782
The following will make you well up.
Was shaking when I finally summoned the courage to come out to dad years ago. He was supportive, but quiet. Later,… https://t.co/6ptochHYip— David Mack (@David Mack) 1510702638
Today is a great day for human rights. #Australia says YES to marriage equality. BRAVO! This makes me so happy. https://t.co/pCLUOhvD06— Ricky Martin (@Ricky Martin) 1510704241
Senator Penny Wong, who campaigned tirelessly for marriage equality with her partner Sophie Allouache, was visibly moved at the announcement of the results.
The moment @SenatorWong heard the majority of Australians said 'Yes' to same-sex marriage. #ssm2017 https://t.co/GKxkc6eF9h— SBS News (@SBS News) 1510711875
Eric Abetz, an Australian politician who opposed same-sex marriage got a nasty shock from his constituency.
Nice https://t.co/4FzXsU4BWu— Tahlia Pritchard (@Tahlia Pritchard) 1510719354
Similarly, former prime minister Tony Abbott's constituents disagreed with him on the matter of same-sex marriage.
The 10th highest Yes vote is in Tony Abbott's seat of Warringah, 75%— Antony Green - elections (@Antony Green - elections) 1510702342
Porn legend Ron Jeremy was also thrilled by the result.
I’m in Australia right now and they just announced that Marriage equality has passed! I’m so happy. Love is love ma… https://t.co/xufmHs3r62— Ron Jeremy (@Ron Jeremy) 1510710610
Australia votes overwhelmingly YES to marriage equality. So happy for all my friends for whom this means much. ❤️🧡💛… https://t.co/POlVRhl0Pm— Stace Jarman (@Stace Jarman) 1510701663
And the flood gates for marriage proposals have opened:
Australia said YES, and he said YES (in the arrivals hall of the airport no less) and we are elated and giddy and i… https://t.co/8XaMUBEmTk— Michael Lucas (@Michael Lucas) 1510706821
Tried to take a photo of us hearing the results but we're just a hot mess of emotion right now. So here is us month… https://t.co/aGhQRlpVu6— Mrs Iglesias (@Mrs Iglesias) 1510703039
We have a proposal. James Brechney has just proposed to his partner Stuart Hensall in Sydney's Alfred Park. Photo:… https://t.co/YaUY6muKy7— Henry Belot (@Henry Belot) 1510703240
It’s a #YES 🌈 now to plan a wedding 💁🏼👰🏼 Can’t wait to marry the love of my life ❤️ #ssm #lovewins #marriageequality https://t.co/Ecj7iHHsQt— Megan Schutt (@Megan Schutt) 1510726649
Newly engaged couple at @LoopMelbourne #loveislove #marriageequality #yes #lgbti https://t.co/JTIpHKrFVZ— LOOP (@LOOP) 1510709308
Moe’s Christian (L) and Chloe are getting married in 2019! Amongst a group of 100 people at pro #SSM party in Trar… https://t.co/bueydpDrFJ— Kellie Lazzaro (@Kellie Lazzaro) 1510705532
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