Australian parliament gay marriage vote

The government has appointed a panel to examine how to safeguard religious freedoms once gay marriage is a reality in Australia. IE 11 is not supported. There's never been a better time to travel to Australia, so come and say g'day!. Profile My News Sign Out.

Sign In Create your free profile. Skip to Content. Discover Australia's sparkling beaches, friendly wildlife and natural wonders. The public gallery of the House of Representatives erupted with applause when the bill passed to change the definition of marriage from solely between a man and a woman to "a union of two people" excluding all others.

Lawmakers advocating marriage equality had argued that the national postal survey in November mandated a change of the marriage definition alone, so changing the law should not be delayed by other considerations. Sections U. Follow NBC News. Latest Stories U. By Associated Press.

For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Australia, the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. The U. Human Rights Committee had called the ballot survey "an unnecessary and divisive public opinion poll.

The current bill allows churches and religious organizations to boycott gay weddings without violating Australian anti-discrimination laws. Most gay rights advocates believed the government should have allowed marriages years ago and saw various ideas for a public survey as a delaying tactic.

Veteran gay rights campaigner Rodney Croome said he expected the first same-sex weddings in Australia would not take place until February. NBC News Logo. I take pride in producing top quality Miniature Australian Shepherds. It is my mission to provide you and your family with a puppy that displays the temperament, working ability, and structure of the Australian Shepherd.

Australia’s capital is Canberra, located in the southeast between the larger and more important economic and cultural centres of Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian Parliament voted on Thursday to allow same-sex marriage across the nation, following a bitter and divisive debate settled by the government polling voters in a much-criticized ballot survey that strongly endorsed change.

Search Search. Rice is a minor Greens party senator who was only able to remain married to her transgender wife of 31 years, Penny, because Penny remained listed as male on her birth certificate. Health & Wellbeing TALLER RATED HIGHER Short men really do face an uphill battle, Australian research finds Perceptions of height have an effect on social dynamics and behaviour, researchers found.

The legislation passed with a majority that wasn't challenged, although five lawmakers registered their opposition to the bill. Penny Wong, an opposition Labor Party senator who has two children with her lesbian partner, said: "I am feeling happy. Gay marriage was endorsed by 62 percent of Australian voters who responded to the government-commissioned postal ballot.

One of the rejected amendments would have ensured Australians could speak freely about their traditional views of marriage without fear of legal action. Amendments meant to safeguard freedoms of speech and religion for gay-marriage opponents were all rejected, though those issues may be considered later.

The Senate passed the same legislation last week 43 votes to After formalities the law will likely take effect in about a month, with the first weddings expected about a month later.