Sydney holds Australia's biggest-ever LGBT marriage equality rally, while the Conservatives' Malcolm Turnbull comes out in favour ahead of postal plebicite.
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Organisers are claiming an LGBT rally for marriage equality rights attracted more than 20,000 people in Sydney, making it the biggest demonstration of its kind in Australia’s history.
You cannot tell where this marriage equality rally begins and ends #marriagequality #sydney pic.twitter.com/elKx5TRbTh
— Sally McManus (@sallymcmanus) September 10, 2017
It is part of a campaign ahead of a non-binding postal vote on the issue, costing over 100 million euros. Participation is voluntary.
“I am sorry for all of the hateful and stupid things which have been said and are going to be said until we win marriage equality,” Bill Shorten told the Sydney crowd.
Australia’s Labour leader is a longtime supporter, but the ruling Conservative leader Malcolm Turnbull has changed his previous refusal to take any position, and has also come out in favour.
“Now, I’m voting yes because fundamentally, this is a question of fairness,” he said in an interview.
The result will be made public on November 15, but controversially a majority will not suffice, as parliament has reserved the final say for itself.
The #YESforEquality rally in #Sydney has been dubbed ‘the biggest in Australia’s history’ pic.twitter.com/jXXjSDuMNe
— Guardian Australia (@GuardianAus) September 10, 2017
According to The Guardian Australia more than 30,000 people were present