Euphoria is currently capturing the nation following the same-sex marriage postal vote result but in between the tears, hugs and celebrations, there are also stark warnings to the politicians to listen to the people.
Devoted LGBTQI advocate Magda Szubanski issued her own warning saying a marriage quality bill “better be passed before Christmas” now the public have spoken.
And it was a resounding YES in favour of same-sex marriage. Over 79.5 per cent of eligible voters returned their non-compulsory, non-binding ballot papers.
Every single state and territory recorded a yes.
Echoing her sentiment was Ian Thorpe who made the valid point that the whole postal survey should be a warning to everyone about exposing ugliness.
He also agreed legislation should be passed before Christmas. Watch below:
Turnbull, to his credit, has said this is what’s going to happen. Speaking at a press conference following the results announcement, he said:
“We must respect the voice of the people. We asked them for their opinion and they have given it to us. It is unequivocal, it is overwhelming.
“They are our masters, we who were elected to Parliament. It is our job now to get on with it, get on with it and get this done. It is fair. The people have voted yes for marriage equality. Now it is our job to deliver it.
“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 have tasked us to do and get this done. This year, before Christmas. That must be our commitment.”
However, a feud has already erupted within his government over the bill itself and how far religious protections should go.
Will public perception go against Turnbull given the fact the vote was unanimous? $122m is undeniably a huge sum. Money which could’ve been used for a whole host of other things.
And we’ve not even touched on the psychological ramifications this vote may have caused, particularly for young LBGTIQ Australians thrust into the spotlight, forced to have their relationships or future relationships validated by the rest of the country.
Let’s hope in-fighting doesn’t prevent stalling a change in the law – it’s been a long time coming.
