By KAYLA FOSTER
Australia is on its way to legalizing same sex marriage, after a survey showed that the country is ready to take a progressive step forward.
In a survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 62 percent of registered voters said “yes” to same-sex marriage, prompting Parliament to consider legalizing the weddings later this year.
If legalized, Australia will become to 26th country to do so. Following after Ireland to put same-sex marriage to a popular vote.
Needing only to change its Australian Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, the overwhelming push sparked thousands of marriage equality supporters to fill the streets in celebration of the news.
The news came to social media with #AustraliaSaysYes as people celebrated with posts and pictures of loved ones waiting to get married.
Meet Alastair & Steven – their 8 year engagement could soon become a legal marriage. Here’s how they reacted to #AustraliaSaysYes #TheDrum pic.twitter.com/QP6uBNctKV
— ABC The Drum (@ABCthedrum) November 15, 2017
Congratulations Australia 🇦🇺 🏳️🌈 FINALLY #AustraliaSaysYes
— Ali🌻🏳️🌈 (@AliceGagaxo) November 15, 2017
Congratulations Australia!🇦🇺🌈Everyone deserves a life filled with love, free from discrimination and injustice. #LoveIsLove #AustraliaSaysYes 💛💜💙 pic.twitter.com/M6WSEVJQS9
— Jessimae Peluso (@JessimaePeluso) November 15, 2017
According to CNN.com, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says that legalization could happen by Christmas. However, there has been opposition from conservative politicians due to extensive religious protection, in hopes to stall the bill.
Several lawmakers have submitted their drafts of the bill, but fear of discrimination and dissolving protection are making lawmakers cautious to proposals.
If a law is passed, this will be a major step for the country, after the last prime minister, Tony Abbott, openly opposed same-sex marriage and led the campaign in against changing the law.