Australian
wedding venues are working round the clock to accommodate the expected gay marriage
rush after same-sex marriage was signed into Australian law on Friday (Dec 8),
with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull having already received several invites.
The
historic reform was given royal assent on Friday, the final step in a process
that began with a national postal vote in September.
"The
Act has now passed into Australian law," said the Queen's representative,
Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, at a ceremony in Canberra on Friday.
Gay
couples who have already married overseas will have their unions officially recognised
from Saturday, when the Bill comes into full effect.
Those
wanting to wed can lodge a notice to marry on Saturday, but will have to wait a
calendar month before exchanging vows, meaning the first weddings are expected
on Jan 9.
All
but four members of the 150-seat lower House of Representatives voted in
support of marriage equality on Thursday, sparking jubilant scenes in
Parliament.
Mr
Turnbull, a moderate who has long backed same-sex unions, spent Friday morning
encouraging his fellow Australians to start making wedding preparations.
"It
is a big Australian hug for all same-sex couples, saying we love and respect
you, now go out there and get married," he said.
At
least two Sydney councils promised free venues to host marriages as a gesture
of solidarity with the LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer)
communities.
No comments
Post a Comment