国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Australia legalizes same-sex marriage_时事

国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Australia legalizes same-sex marriage

Due to the postal survey being non-binding, legislation still had to be passed through both houses of parliaments to legalize the practice.

Earlier on Thursday, a series of conservative MPs tried to make amendments to the bill which would allow employees and businesses in the wedding service sector to refuse to supply same-sex weddings on religious grounds but all amendments were easily defeated in both houses of parliament.

Government MP Trent Zimmerman was the first-ever openly gay member of the lower house and on Thursday told the house that all of Australia had been touched by a three-word slogan.

"Love is love, Mr. Speaker, and I am sure that's something we can all agree on," he said.

Addressing the public gallery, sat in which were notable gay Australians such as Olympian Ian Thorpe, Deputy ALP leader Tanya Plibersek said, "By the end of today, Australia will be a better, kinder, fairer place for all of us."

"Love will prevail. It will be your victory, and I hope you enjoy it," she said.

Under the bill that was passed, although celebrants such as priests will be able to refuse to marry same-sex couples due to their religion, civil celebrants will not be able to do so.

Queensland MPs Bob Katter, Keith Pitt and David Littleproud alongside Victoria's Russell Broadbent were the only MPs to vote against the bill.

A number of other MPs, including former PM Tony Abbott, who were opposed to same-sex marriage but whose electorates voted in favor in the postal survey abstained from the vote.