Australia says “yes” to marriage equality

THE Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey result was announced yesterday (Wednesday), with a resounding “yes” returned across the state as well as in Corangamite.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released the results of the national survey at 10am yesterday, with 7,817,247 people (61.6 per cent) voting “yes” and 4,873,987 people (38.4 per cent) voting “no”.

Support for the “yes” campaign locally was above both the national and state average, with 69,723 (71.6 per cent) of Corangamite voters in favour and 27,708 (28.4 per cent) opposed, compared to a 64.9 per cent “yes” vote across Victoria.

Corangamite’s result was the eighth-highest in the state.

In Corio, 67.7 per cent of voters (62,658 people out of 92,523) said “yes”.

Across Australia, nearly eight out of 10 eligible voters (79.5 per cent) took part.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson, who has declared her support for same-sex marriage, said she was pleased with the result.

“I look forward to supporting a private member’s bill to change the Marriage Act to allow same sex couples to marry which I expect will be introduced into the House of Representatives in the next sitting week.

“It is imperative that the bill includes strong protections for religious institutions. As the definition of civil marriage changes, religious freedom is paramount. Religious institutions must be able to continue to adhere to their beliefs.

“That said, the bill must not allow discrimination against same sex couples including in relation to the provision of commercial services.”

The same sex marriage debate has long been a hot topic within the Surf Coast Shire, sparking heated conversation among locals for many months with the introduction of the rainbow flag outside the shire offices.

If the bill is passed by Parliament, same sex couples should be able to marry before the year’s end.