Following a postal survey earlier this year that showed that 61.6% of voters approved of same-sex marriage, the Australian parliament has passed a bill legalising the unions, and Twitter is beside itself with joy.
As the proceedings unfolded in parliament #MarriageEquality began trending in top spot worldwide.
No ad to show here.
It’s a YES! Simply and fairly, #MarriageEquality is now law! Today our country can be truly proud. We did it together!
pic.twitter.com/lGZgUgSmyL — AU Marriage Equality (@AMEquality) December 7, 2017
Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 has passed the House of Representatives and has passed the Parliament. Just a few tears and so very proud to be #Australian. We now have #MarriageEquality#auspol
— Peter Foster (@PeterFosterALP) December 7, 2017
Many Australians took to Twitter to post a video of their TV screens as the bill was passed — and various videos of LGBT+ Australians reacting to the news cropped up on the platform.
Thought I had it together but I’m
#marriageequality #ssm #AustraliaSaysYes pic.twitter.com/TeEeDUrmVR — TMK (@tylermayk) December 7, 2017
Emotional scenes in Australia’s Parliament as #MarriageEquality legislation passes #LoveWins #SSM #Australia #auspol pic.twitter.com/iKY4o2I3ww
— sam mostyn (@sammostyn) December 7, 2017
#MarriageEquality is a reality
everyone just sang
“I am.. you are.. we are Australian”
beautiful, simply beautiful
#LoveWins pic.twitter.com/tFsZK6t2Eu — Mark
(@WorldOfMarkyD) December 7, 2017
IM SO HAPPY “Australia Legalises Same-sex Marriage” #MarriageEqualityhttps://t.co/yPyOVaNLTA
— sarah WE WON
(@DlORKIWI) December 7, 2017
Others saw it as a rare Christmas gift from the government.
oh my gosh same sex marriage is officially legal in aus, right before christmas!! such a cute present for so many australians, im happy
#MarriageEquality — g
(@selenascarolina) December 7, 2017
parliament got it done before christmas in a rare show of solidarity, humanity and good judgement #auspol#marriageequality
— A (@hitotsunosoul) December 7, 2017
And though many were upset by how long it took for the LGBT+ population to be served equal rights, a feeling of relief was palpable across the site.
It took too long. It hurt too many. But we are finally there, Australia. The patience, dignity and resilience of the LGBTQI community has been extraordinary….and I’m available for weddings… #MarriageEquality
— Charlie Pickering (@charliepick) December 7, 2017
today is one of the most important days for #marriageequality in australian history. I want to thank every single person who helped fight this battle because finally we are victorious. go love who you wanna love because you were born this way baby
— riley jensen (@prettypettygay) December 7, 2017
Australia is now the 26th country in which same-sex marriage is legal, joining the likes of South Africa and the US.
Featured image: Ted Eyton via Flickr (CC 2.0 BY-SA, resized)
