Australian citizens have overwhelmingly voted to legalize same s*x marriage, in a largely ceremonial vote which however holds real legislative consequence.
With the overwhelming approval of the public, the government of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull would now move forward with a bill to legalize gay marriage.
The vote, which asked citizens whether the government should allow same-s*x couples the right to marriage, had a turnout of 79.5%. Of those who voted, a resounding 61.6% voted in favour.
“[Australians have] spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality”. said Prime Minister Turnbull following the vote.
“They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love. And 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 asked us to do and get this done,”
A bill has already been presented to parliament to debate amendments, and the government says they hope to have it passed by Christmas.