Legalizing same-sex marriage is on the home stretch in Australia.
Last week, the Senate successfully passed the Marriage Amendment (Definition & Religious Freedom) Bill 2017 to make marriage equality happen in Australia. It came after 61.6% of Australians agreed that the the law should be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry in a postal survey on the issue.
Now the Bill is being debated in the Lower House after it was introduced on Monday morning by long-time marriage equality advocate, Warren Entsch.
About 77 MPs are due to deliver speeches on the Bill before it is voted, likely on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.
The first few hours of the debate have already provided some memorable moments, including amarriage proposal by Tim Wilson to his partner Ryan who was sitting the parliament’s public gallery.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was one of the most high profile opponents of same-sex marriage. He said today that he would vote in favour of the Bill and looked forward to attending his lesbian sister’s wedding early next year.
Oh no, Malcolm
But a speech from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had people up in arms. Social media users were angry Turnbull tried to take credit for making marriage equality happen in Australia after he approved the costly and hurtful postal survey, rather than just legislating the issue in parliament.
‘I am the first prime minister of Australia to be unequivocally and consistently in support of legalising same-sex marriage,’ Turnbull said in his speech in parliament on Monday.
Turnbull also said he would support amendments to the Bill which included ‘religious freedoms’ but many argue they further entrench discrimination against LGBTI people.
‘There is nothing in the bill which prevents anyone from maintaining or adhering to the teaching of their church on marriage or morality,’ he said.
‘But we must not fail to recognise that there is sincere heartfelt anxiety about the bill’s impact on religious freedom. And that is why I will support amendments to the bill which will provide the additional reassurance and respect of these fundamental rights and freedoms.’
I’m glad Malcolm Turnbull enjoyed the postal survey so much because it was one of the most difficult periods of my life
— Rob Stott (@Rob_Stott) December 4, 2017
Turnbull didn’t even campaign for the Yes vote and now he wants credit for the result. The absolute gall of this man. Spineless, hypocritical and unashamedly smug. Makes my blood boil.
— Jill Stark (@jillastark) December 4, 2017
At one point in his speech Turnbull brought the cats LGBTI people would own if they weren’t allowed to marry.
‘Codependency is a good thing … and gay people are better off together then living alone comforted only by their respective cats,’ he said.
Hey @TurnbullMalcolm , your survey is a dark stain on this nations history and something you should try to bury not parade around proudly you egotistical jackass. This is exactly the kind of cluelessness that won’t see you succeed in another election. #dipshit
— Harry Cook (@HarryCook) December 4, 2017
…more vulnerable members of our communities and put unnecessary pressure on our stronger members to carry them.
The campaigning was horrendous. Trying to lift up our people while pushing back against the hate speech and the government sanctioned green light to vilify us…
— Kirsty Webeck 🏳️🌈 (@KirstyWebeck) December 4, 2017
…you could have chosen another path and been instrumental in building a better future for us intentionally. Instead, this ugly period in time is your legacy and undoubtedly, the hill your political career dies on.
— Kirsty Webeck 🏳️🌈 (@KirstyWebeck) December 4, 2017
.@TurnbullMalcolm: “the postal survey went very well, it was great, top marks to me. any questions?”
literally every queer Australian: pic.twitter.com/6aboIh55Tt— chloe sargeant🏳️🌈 (@chlosarge) December 4, 2017
Dear @TurnbullMalcolm, you forced LGBTI people to endure a degrading postal survey on our right to equality before the law. Your government warrants ongoing condemnation — not credit. IMHO.
— Senthorun Raj 🏳️🌈 (@senthorun) December 4, 2017
“It will forever be to the credit of the Coalition that this momentous social change occurred.” #auspol #marriageequality pic.twitter.com/xKiKWi7gfk
— David Alexander (@davidFalexander) December 4, 2017