Australia's Parliament has legalized same-sex marriage Thursday after years-long political jockeying and fierce public debate.
Australia's Governor-General Peter Cosgrove signed off on the law pa s sed by the Parliament on Friday and officially legalize the same-sex marriage in the Australian territory. However, the same-sex couples have to wait until the new year for the official marriage.
Soon after the parliament approved the same-sex marriage, the spectators from the public gallery began singing ''I Am Australian," a well-known anthem.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said after a brief ceremony on Friday, "So it is all done. It is part of the law of the land." He also added the law would be implemented immediately after midnight.
All the supporters celebrated the new implementation across the nation, many donning rainbow colors.
The first same-sex marriage ceremonies will happen on 9 January 2018, as the couple must give a month's notice before they wed. However, the same-sex wedding conducted overseas will be immediately recognized in Australia.
