First marriage equality bill to pass in federal parliament after more than 20 attempts now goes to lower houseThe Australian Senate has passed a same-sex marriage bill, the first marriage equality bill to pass either house of federal parliament, succeeding where more than 20 previous attempts have failed. Two weeks after the announcement that 61.6% of those who participated in the unprecedented national postal survey voted in favour of same-sex marriage, the Senate passed the cross-party bill unamended. Wong said marriage equality sent a message to LGBTI people: “Your love is not lesser, and nor are you. The postal survey returned a 61.6% yes vote with a turnout of 79.5%. On Wednesday the education minister, Simon Birmingham, said Turnbull had demonstrated “very strong leadership” by “showing a pathway through” and delivering marriage equality.

Source: The Guardian November 29, 2017 02:35 UTC