Same-sex marriage has been an ongoing issue around the globe since before it was first legalized in The Netherlands in 2000. Since then, there have been many countries who have followed suit including such as South Africa, Belgium, and now Australia, who chose to use a public survey to help pass the bill that granted same-sex couples the right to marriage on December 7, 2017.[1] Before being passed, same-sex marriage was considered “too difficult and too divisive.”[2] There had been 22 unsuccessful attempts to get this bill passed since 2004 and once the attempt was rejected, it was never revisited.[3] Campaigners and advocates had to sit back watch as other countries, such as Australia’s neighbor New Zealand, made same-sex marriage legal.[4] However, later in 2017 those who supported or identified as gay witnessed something incredible. A survey was sent by mail to the public in Australia to see how they viewed same-sex marriage. More than 12.7 million eligible voters participated in this survey and the results were announced on November 15 with 61 percent of voters saying yes to same-sex marriage.[5]
Three weeks after the survey results were announced on December 7, members of Parliament came together to discuss whether to grant homosexual couples the right to marriage or not. Before any decision was made, some discussions had to take place first. On this day over 100 members of Parliament spoke on the legislation.[6] There were even members who were brave enough to share personal stories with their fellow members to explain why they supported the bill.[7] One member, Sarah Henderson, shared a story about one of her close friends who was gay and passed away months prior to this event. She explained that during one of her last conversations with this friend, she was asked to continue to push for same-sex marriage.[8] Another was told by Parliament member, Andrew Wallace, who identifies as a devout Catholic. He described how his daughter, who is homosexual, changed his position on same sex marriage.[9]
After all the discussing was said and done, it was finally time to decide and with only four members opposing it, the bill was finally passed. There was an array of reactions to the decision in the room, high-fiving, hugging, crying, and opposing, which were all appropriate reactions for the situation. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is a firm supporter of same-sex marriage, stated, “This is Australia: fair, diverse, loving, and filled with respect. For everyone of us, this is a great day.”[10] The members of Parliament were also able to feel the love in the air when they witnessed one of their fellow members, Tim Wilson, propose to his partner, Parliament member Ryan Bolger.[11] Just as the members rejoiced, so did the advocates and homosexual individuals who made it their duty to stand together in anticipation outside on the lawn of Parliament.[12] However, just as there was jubilation for the decision, there was also some negative reactions towards it, as there is with any piece of legislation. Those who opposed the bill, argued that they would rather legalize discrimination against members of the gay community than to accept this bill as law.[13]
It is astonishing that the Australian parliament chose to use a public survey to help make their decision rather than neglecting the popular vote and making a decision on their own. There have been many instances where the countries’ decisions markers such as America’s Supreme Court, discussed the issue amongst themselves to come to a decision. In my opinion, I believe Parliament should have distributed this survey and made a decision 10 years ago, because even back then most Australians supported the legalization of same sex marriage.[14] However, even if they made this decision yesterday, it would still be commendable because Australia is now the 24th country to allow same sex marriage.[15] She could be a model along with the other 23 countries for nations who are debating whether to legalize gay marriage.
I believe the possibilities are endless. As noted above, Australia struggled with getting this bill passed. They had to experience 22 unsuccessful attempts to legalize same sex marriage before December 7th. I believe that if countries like Australia and even South Africa can grant the right to marry whomever you desire to a community that has been waiting for over a decade, then other countries can also follow suit.[16]
[1] Berlinger, Joshua, and Ben Westcott. “Australia Legalizes Same-sex Marriage.” CNN. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 8, 2018. https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/07/asia/australia-same-sex-marriage-intl/index.html.
[2] Australian Parliament Approves Same-sex Marriage.” BBC News. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-42260548
[3] Cave, Damien, and Jacqueline Williams. “Australia Makes Same-Sex Marriage Legal.” The New York Times. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 8, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/07/world/australia/gay-marriage-same-sex.html.
[4] Australian Parliament Approves Same-sex Marriage.” BBC News. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-42260548
[5] Berlinger, Joshua, and Ben Westcott. “Australia Legalizes Same-sex Marriage.” CNN. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 8, 2018. https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/07/asia/australia-same-sex-marriage-intl/index.html.
[6] Australian Parliament Approves Same-sex Marriage.” BBC News. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-42260548
[7] Berlinger, Joshua, and Ben Westcott. “Australia Legalizes Same-sex Marriage.” CNN. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 8, 2018. https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/07/asia/australia-same-sex-marriage-intl/index.html.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Cave, Damien, and Jacqueline Williams. “Australia Makes Same-Sex Marriage Legal.” The New York Times. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 8, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/07/world/australia/gay-marriage-same-sex.html.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Australian Parliament Approves Same-sex Marriage.” BBC News. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-42260548
[13] Berlinger, Joshua, and Ben Westcott. “Australia Legalizes Same-sex Marriage.” CNN. December 07, 2017. Accessed April 8, 2018. https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/07/asia/australia-same-sex-marriage-intl/index.html.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ibid.
[16] Trimble, Megan. “Where Same-Sex Marriage Has Been Legalized Around the World.” U.S. News & World Report. Accessed April 10, 2018. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2017-11-15/where-same-sex-marriage-has-been-legalized-around-the-world.
