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Australia reacts to same-sex marriage decision

PEOPLE around the world have been quick to congratulate Australians for their historic decision to back same-sex marriage.

Matt YoungMatt Young
@MattYoung
2 min read
November 15, 2017 - 5:04PM
Australia reacts to YES win

AUSTRALIA has spoken - and so has Lisa Wilkinson.

After a nervous wait the results of the same-sex marriage postal survey have finally been revealed in an extraordinary turnout for the Yes campaign.

A chorus of celebrities, politicians and everyday Australians took to social media to voice their thoughts over the Yes result, but it was Lisa Wilkinson who summed up the sentiment of most.

Meanwhile closer to politics, it was Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Penny Wong whose reaction was no doubt the most poignant of the day. Sky News’ David Speers called it a “standout”. “It’s personal, as much of a political victory, for Penny Wong,” he said.

An emotional Penny Wong. Picture Gary Ramage
An emotional Penny Wong. Picture Gary Ramage
The Same Sex Marriage Vote was watched by Senator Penny Wong and the politicians from all parties in Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Gary Ramage
The Same Sex Marriage Vote was watched by Senator Penny Wong and the politicians from all parties in Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Gary Ramage

Celebrities and politicians across the globe voiced their support after the vote was announced. Stars including Kylie Minogue and Delta Goodrem tweeted their support while Miley Cyrus said she felt proud to be “Australian by association”.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “thrilled” over the announcement.

Australian statistician David Kalisch announced the results of the ABS postal survey from Canberra this morning, confirming the survey had delivered a Yes result.

The final participation rate accounted for 79.5 per cent of eligible voters with a 61.6 per cent vote in favour of same-sex marriage.

According to Marriage Equality Australia, a greater percentage of people participated in the postal survey than in Brexit, the UK general election, Irish Marriage Equality referendum and the US Presidential election.

With the Yes vote announced, Twitter blew up, peaking at 3853 Tweets per minute.

“They have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly Yes for marriage equality. They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.

“I know that many people, a minority, obviously, voted No. But we are a fair nation. There is nothing more Australian than a fair go, than a equality and mutual respect.

“Now it is up to us here in the parliament of Australia to get on with it, to get on with the job the Australian people have tasked asked to do and get this done. This year, before Christmas — that must be our commitment.”

Not all of us were happy about the verdict, as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott posted his thoughts on Facebook.

“I thank the 4.7 million Australians who supported marriage between a man and a woman,” he wrote.

“I look forward to a parliamentary process that improves on the Dean Smith bill to implement same-sex marriage with freedom of conscience for all, not just the churches.”

Meanwhile, Family Voice Australia called on parliamentarians “to enact genuine and comprehensive protections for freedom of conscience and religion in any same-sex marriage law, following today’s result from the postal survey”.

“The behaviour of some Yes voters who harassed and vilified their fellow Australians during this campaign demonstrates the need for such protections,” national director Ashley Saunders said.

HOW CELEBRITIES REACTED

POLITICIANS

THE YES SIDE

THE NO SIDE

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/australia-reacts-to-samesex-marriage-decision/news-story/88f59c48c6074f0452202bf7a83eb80b