Gay Marriage Legalized in Australia

2017 housed a number of downfalls. Oppressive legislature was passed, natural disasters prevailed–it felt like everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. After a tumultuous year, it is imperative to celebrate the better moments of 2017 and move on. One of the most groundbreaking of these moments was gay marriage being legalized in Australia.

The decision faced much opposition in the past, receiving backlash from the LGBTQ+ community of Australia along with human rights enforcers, liberal lawmakers, and common people. The final approval of the bill, taking place in the House of Representatives, came three weeks after a national referendum showed strong public support for gay marriage. There were only four votes against the bill, cultivating an overwhelming win for gay marriage.

This is not only a landmark decision for Australia but an important step forward for equality around the world. Australia changed the definition of marriage from “the union of a man and a woman” to “the union of two people”– slashing government’s power over who people are allowed to love. Not only is this a win for the LGBTQ+ community, but a win for love.