Tag: marriage equality

There was ecstatic scenes in a packed public gallery, with people draped in rainbow flags singing “I am, you are, we are Australian”, and some MPs joining in from the chamber floor.

OPINION & ANALYSIS: As former British PM David Cameron said, he supported same-sex marriage because he is a conservative. Unfortunately, his Australian counterparts have a less generous vision of conservatism.

OPINION & ANALYSIS: It is only since 2013 that LGBTIQ people have been protected under federal anti-discrimination laws. It is now up to the PM to reject any marriage bill that diminishes these protections.

LGBTQI community celebrates as the results of the postal survey show Australians are in favour of marriage equality 62% to 38%, paving the way for legislation.

Actress and LGBTQI activist Magda Szubanski calls for national unity following 'Yes' result in marriage equality vote, but then lashes out at 'No' campaign.

ABS estimates it has now received 10 million ballots. Anglican diocese reveals it gave $1 million to 'no' campaign while 'yes' campaign urges those who have not yet voted, including people overseas, to do so.

ABS claims cheeky code on marriage equality postal vote form was randomly generated by complex security algorithm.

OPINION & ANALYSIS: Without an adequate counter from the Yes campaign – especially one offering more emotionally compelling messages – the advantages of the No campaign are likely to narrow the polling gap significantly.

Immediately after the decision, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told parliament he encouraged every Australian to have their say in the ballot, repeated that he and his wife Lucy would be voting yes, and turned on Bill Shorten.

WATCH: Lesbian mum Senator Penny Wong blasts government's proposed plebiscite on same-sex marriage as a "stunt" that will expose kids to hatred, in remarkable speech to parliament.

OPINION & ANALYSIS: So, the government seems determined to give voters a voice, and equally determined not to be bound by what those voters say. How did we get here and where to now?

"Are we going to say that we may not have a public debate on a topic when it is alleged that there will be a minority, some small groups, that will act intemperately?" - Malcolm Turnbull.

“A plebiscite will be harmful, it’ll be divisive, it’ll be expensive and we should never put questions of human rights to an opinion poll," Senator Di Natale said.

ELECTION13 | Australian political leaders have made a video pitch to contestants in this year's Big Brother Australia house in the lead-up to Saturday's federal election.

AUSTRALIAN ELECTION 13 | American pop star Katy Perry blindsided Opposition Tony Abbott on Australian radio yesterday with questions regarding his policy on gay marriage.

Senior figures in the Australian Labor Party have lashed out at the powerful Australian Christian Lobby, with prominent government minister Penny Wong accusing the organisation of prejudice after they released a statement comparing the children of same sex couples to the Stolen Generation.

Federal Labor backbencher and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has used his popular blog to outline his support for same sex marriage, writing that church and state “can have different positions” on the issue.