Half a month ago, the same-sex marriage vote came out by mail, with 61.6% of the votes in favour of legalizing same-sex marriage, marking a victory in the popular "referendum".
The same-sex marriage bill passed the Senate with 43 votes in favour and 12 against it today, a milestone in Australia`s legalization of same-sex marriage.
Australia`s Same-sex couples is a step closer to getting married.
Same-sex marriage votes by mail to proclaim victory. (Sydney Morning Herald)
"A proud day."
At this historic moment, many pro-senators who heard the results of the vote burst into tears, and some even shouted: it was the proudest day of his congressman`s career.
"I am proud of Australia`s democracy, and I am more proud than ever," (George Brandis), the law minister, said excitedly after the passage of the bill. November 29, in Berandi`s view, is a day for the Australian people to celebrate.
He said the passage of the bill was not only a "atonement for past mistakes," but also a "definitive endorsement" of gay and lesbian communities in Australia, especially young gay people.
"with the passage of the bill, we have expressed it to the vulnerable young people: you have nothing wrong with you, you are not abnormal, you are not a pervert, you are just being yourself. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to hide. You are a normal person, and just like any normal person, you have a need for love. "
Attorney General Berandi (left). (Sydney Morning Herald)
Labour shadow foreign minister, lesbian Huang Yingxian (Penny Wong) and the Liberal Party`s first openly "out of the cabinet" Senator Smith (Dean Smith) embrace each other. "it is a message to many Australians that this country and its Congress accept who you are, that your love is not light, and that you are not unimportant. You are one of us. " Huang Yingxian said.
Huang Ying-hyun got up and applauded. (photo by Sydney Morning Herald)
Smith presided over the historic vote.
Huang Ying-hsien and Smith hugged each other. (photo by Sydney Morning Herald)
However, many members of Parliament voted against it, including Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, the Minister for International Development and the Pacific Affairs of Kannavan (Matt Canavan), the Minister of Resources. Labour senators Kate (Chris Ketter) and Polly (Helen Polley).
Some members of parliament also chose to abstain, including one-nation party leader Han Xin (Pauline Hanson), employment minister Kes (Michaelia Cash), social services assistant minister, Sassaga (Zed Seselja).
Previous amendments, such as allowing marriage jailers to refuse to witness homosexuals, were rejected in the Senate on Tuesday, Wednesday.
How far is it to legalize same-sex marriage
However, this does not mean that same-sex marriage legislation is complete. The final passage of the same-sex marriage bill will have to wait until next week`s final vote in the House of Representatives.
Senators applauded to celebrate the passage of the same-sex marriage bill. (photo by Sydney Morning Herald)
The legislative process is: the Senate, the House of Representatives will discuss the same-sex marriage bill; once passed, will be handed over to the Governor, and then written into the law.
If a bill to legalize same-sex marriage fails, it will mean that Prime Minister Tembo (Malcolm turnbull) will not be able to fulfill his Christmas wishes. But Tan Bao is optimistic about this.
"We have consulted the people of Australia, which is an unprecedented event in the democratic movement, and we have won an overwhelming victory. I know a small number of people do not support it, but Australia is a fair country and we advocate equality and mutual respect. " He said on the day that the same-sex marriage vote was mailed to declare victory.
Earlier reports speculated that Mr Tan had cancelled this week`s meeting or waited for a Senate debate on the same-sex marriage bill. Debate in the Senate on the same-sex marriage bill was expected to continue until Thursday, not wanting to be passed ahead of schedule.
However, legal experts are not so optimistic: any unclear, unclear projects in the process will hinder legislation, which is highly likely to happen, so it is likely that the law will not be passed before 2018.
An analysis suggests that the entire legislative process may take days or months.
