Australia Votes On Same Sex Marriage

Australia sent out a postal survey on September 12 asking citizens if they think that same-sex marriage should be legalized and collected it on November 7. Even though this survey is important, it doesn’t carry the weight of a formal vote. In Australia, voting in national elections is required for citizens, but the survey was voluntary. The results of the survey will not change the law, but instead paves the way for a change.

Arguments for and against same-sex marriage had almost no impact on the voters’ decisions. Americans are more likely to support the right to refuse service to someone on the basis of their sexual orientation than Australians. Arguments for and against gay marriage both carry the same weight and nearly cancel each other out. (The Sydney Morning Herald) 

60% of voters have already voted in favor of a change, while 32% voted to keep the current laws. The voters in favor of the change have voted on the idea of more equality, while people voting against it made their decisions in favor of religious freedom.

If the majority voted no, the parliament would no longer fight to legalize gay marriage. However, if the majority voted yes, parliament would introduce a bill giving same-sex couples the right to marry before the end of the year. (SBS)

Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister, referenced countries that have legalized same-sex marriage by saying, “In any of those nations, has the sky fallen? Has life as we know it ground to a halt? Has traditional marriage been underlined? The answer is plainly no.”

On Wednesday, November 15, the results of the survey came in, showing an overwhelming support for same-sex marriage. 61.6 percent of voters voted for same-sex marriage.

Malcolm Turnbull tweeted on November 15, “The people of Australia of spoken and I intend to make their wish the law of the land by Christmas. This is an overwhelming call for marriage equality.”