Same-sex marriage will become legal in Australia after a groundbreaking bill was passed in the House of Representatives.
Equality ambassadors and volunteers from the Equality Campaign celebrate as they gather in front of Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: AFP
An overwhelming majority of MPs voted to change the Marriage Act, eight days after a similarly decisive result in the Senate.
The vote set off immediate celebrations in parliament, prompting cheers, applause and even a song.
The result brings an end to more than a decade of robust and often bitter debate on the issue.
"What a day for love, for quality, for respect," said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
"Australia has done it."
The legislation sailed through parliament without amendments after Australians overwhelmingly supported the reform in a voluntary national poll.
Australia's governor-general is expected to approve the bill in the coming days, marking its official passage into law.
Earlier, many supporters gathered on the lawn outside parliament. They included prominent same-sex marriage advocates, including former Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe and local comedian Magda Szubanski.
More than 100 MPs had spoken on the legislation after it was tabled in the House of Representatives.
Many senators and MPs related personal stories in explaining why they supported the bill. One MP's speech ended with a marriage proposal - a first for the lower house.
- BBC