Dean Smith has fought back tears in the Senate while introducing the bill to amend the Marriage Act following the victory of the “Yes” vote yesterday.
The WA senator bill was embraced by politicians from all sides after this morning’s speech – the first in the debate on legislation to legalise same-sex marriage.
He has been co-sponsored by eight senators from across the political spectrum, and both Labor and The Greens have thrown their support behind the bill.
Mr Smith (left) is congratulated by George Brandis after introducing the Marriage Amendment Bill to legislate same-sex marriage. (AAP) ()
Attorney General George Brandis was the first person up to shake his hand and pat him on the back after his speech this morning.
Earlier, the AG gave a brief statement on the bill, saying it would facilitate Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s promise to facilitate legislation should the postal survey yield a ‘Yes’ result.
An emotional Mr Smith told senators today: “I never believed the day would come when my relationship would be judged with my country to be as meaningful and valued as any other.
Dean Smith poses for photographs with designs for stamps after the introduction of the Marriage Amendment Bill into the Senate at Parliament House yesterday. (AAP) ()
“The Australian people have proven me wrong.”
A debate on the bill started at the upper house this morning with Mr Smith’s private senator’s bill.
“I know many opposed the postal survey, I did,” he said.
“Yesterday, we saw a glimpse of the country we all yearn for, a country that is fair-minded, generous and accepting. We saw a country that is willing to embrace its hopes, rather than hold onto its fears.
“The wonder of this result is that it brings together young and old, gay and straight, conservative and progressive, immigrant and indigenous in the most unifying Australian coalition.”
Mr Brandis speaks after the introduction of the Marriage Amendment Bill yesterday. (AAP) ()
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton told Ray Hadley on 2GB this morning that he would vote for legalising same-sex marriage in parliament following the postal survey.
“I said right from the start I personally would vote no in the ballot and I did,” Mr Dutton said.
“But, if majority of Australians voted yes, in the democratic process of the postal survey then I would vote yes in the parliament and I would honour that commitment.”
Labor frontbencher Tony Burke has no intention of changing his support for same-sex marriage despite nearly 70 percent of his western Sydney electorate rebuffing his stance.
The Watson electorate recorded one of the highest “no” votes in the country.
Mr Burke told ABC radio this morning that opposing same-sex marriage in parliament, it would be completely inconsistent with his pre-election position and his commitment to address discrimination.
Thousands of supporters celebrated into the night after an overwhelming endorsement of same-sex marriage that could allow gay Australians to marry by as early as Christmas.
Sydney’s Oxford St was flooded with an estimated 10,000 party-goers last night who spilled from bars and venues to join a march toward Hyde Park where the revelling continued.
Supporters of same-sex marriage are seen celebrating the victory of the ‘Yes’ vote in the marriage equality survey at a street party. (AAP) ()
The main thoroughfare was transformed with a Mardi Gras-like celebration. Some had been rejoicing news that 61.6 percent of the nation were in favour of same-sex marriage since morning.
Balloons filled the air, rainbow flags were waving high and people danced with gleeful abandon.
They hailed change and change that could happen fast.
Legislation could be passed in the remaining two weeks that parliament sits for the year.
William Hodges, 30, and his partner Glenn, 41, are hoping to be among the first Australians to tie-the-knot.
They delayed their big day after initially planning to marry in Europe.
“We didn’t see the point of coming back to Australia, our home, and not being valid,” Glenn told AAP.
Supporters of same-sex marriage are seen celebrating the victory. (AAP) ()
So they held out for a ‘yes’ vote and now they plan to marry in early 2018.
The couple started their night at Stonewall Hotel on Oxford St but then joined the parade.
“John Paul Young was right – love is in the air,” Mr Hodges said.
One of Melbourne’s best known streets was painted rainbow where throngs of glittered, flag-wearing gays and lesbians gathered to celebrate.
Hundreds of LGBTIQ people and their supporters settled in for a late one in Lygon St.
A majority ‘yes’ vote in a long-running postal survey was recorded in 133 of 150 federal electorates across the country, sending a strong message to parliament.
“I bloody love you Australia,” screamed comedian Magda Szubanski as she heard the result.
Celebrations begin when the words “Yes” are announced. (AAP) ()
The tearful comedienne thanked Australia on behalf of the gay community.
“One of the most vilified groups in history and finally the broader community has welcomed us in from the cold,” she told crowds.
In Canberra on Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, himself a ‘yes’ advocate, vowed to hear the message, setting Christmas as a target.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told a joyous crowd outside Melbourne’s State Library: “Today we celebrate, tomorrow we legislate.”
With AAP.
