Australian parliament will pass legislation to legalise same-sex marriage before the end of the year after 62% of the public supported the move in a controversial non-binding postal survey.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull immediately played down concern of a split in his coalition government over the policy as the conservative faction presses for amendments to protect religious freedoms that discriminate against same-sex couples.
"It is unequivocal, it is overwhelming. They have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality," Turnbull told reporters in Canberra after the survey results were announced.
If parliament does introduce same-sex marriage legislation, it will become the 26th country in the world to do so.
Thousands of people in a Sydney park broke into a loud cheer, hugged and cried as Australia's chief statistician revealed live over a big screen.
Australian parliament will pass legislation to legalise same-sex marriage before the end of the year after 62% of the public supported the move in a controversial non-binding postal survey.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull immediately played down concern of a split in his coalition government over the policy as the conservative faction presses for amendments to protect religious freedoms that discriminate against same-sex couples.
"It is unequivocal, it is overwhelming. They have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality," Turnbull told reporters in Canberra after the survey results were announced.
If parliament does introduce same-sex marriage legislation, it will become the 26th country in the world to do so.
Thousands of people in a Sydney park broke into a loud cheer, hugged and cried as Australia's chief statistician revealed live over a big screen.
Australian senator and LGBT rights activist Penny Wong tweeted on Wednesday: “To all Australians thank you for standing up for fairness and equality. To my colleagues and all those who fought for this great outcome, thank you”