LGBTQ+ Rights March in Sydney, Australia

On June 26, 2015, same-sex marriage was legalized in all 50 United States. One of the only first-world, English speaking countries that does not have legal same-sex marriage and rights for LGBTQ+ is Australia.

On September 9, 2017, LGBTQ+ and supporters gathered in the streets of Melbourne, Sydney, Australia to march and rally for gay rights. There is a country-wide vote being taken from mid-September and ending on November 7th. The results are expected November 15th and will decide the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, is encouraging citizens to vote and march for what they believe in. He told CNN that him and his wife would both be voting in favor of the LGBTQ+ community.

A federal opposition leader Bill Shorten who attended the rally expects the overall results to be yes. “Australia has said it’s time to make marriage equality a reality. I’m very optimistic, “ he stated. So far the outlook is good.

This is an important moment for Australia as they continue to grow as a country. The LGBTQ+ community finally has a chance to feel acceptance from a country that has so far held out on same-sex marriage.