Malcolm Turnbull has shamelessly rejoiced in being Australia’s Prime Minister to witness the historical same sex marriage bill being passed.
But he’s been forced to consider offering the Labor party shared credit for the ‘big hug’ given to gay Australians on Thursday, given its long-standing support of the momentous move.
In a post-bill interview on ABC’s 730 program with Leigh Sales, the PM was propositioned with the possibility he was taking undue recognition.
Malcolm Turnbull refused to offer the Labor party shared credit for the ‘big hug’ given to gay Australians when same sex marriage was officially legalised on Thursday
‘I am so proud this has occurred while I’m prime minister, while the Liberal and National parties are in government,’ Mr Turnbull told the host.
But Ms Sales was left wondering if there were any more sentiments he should potentially be offering.
‘Surely you would also like to acknowledge that the Labor Party has played a role in getting this legislation through?,’ she asked.
‘Well, look Leigh, this is not the time to do the usual tit-for-tat. I mean, Labor certainly supported it, and that’s good,’ he defended.
Leigh Sales (pictured) propositioned Mr Turnbull with the possibility he was taking undue recognition for the historical same sex marriage result
But Mr Turnbull was certainly in no hurry to throw any commendation in Labor’s direction.
‘They had six years in office and did nothing about it. That’s not so good,’ he argued.
‘And of course they did everything they could to stop every Australian from having their say.’
He also denied the Government had encroached a ‘significant cost’ on LGBTQI Australians through the same sex marriage postal survey process.
Mr Turnbull denied the Government had encroached a ‘significant cost’ on LGBTQI Australians through the same sex marriage postal survey process
‘That’s what’s being said,’ Mr Turnbull conceded, adding: ‘but I think overwhelmingly, on net terms the balance is overwhelmingly positive.’
‘If you are a young gay person and you are worried about your identity, you’re struggling with how to tell your parents or your friends and you’re going through a tough time,
‘Now you know, 62% of Australians have voted to say “you are equal, we love you, we respect you”, that is a very big affirmation, that is a very big hug, Leigh.’
‘And that’s what Australians have done.’
Magda Szubanski celebrates on the lawn of Parliament House after the result was handed down
The House of Representatives voted to pass same-sex marriage into law on Thursday afternoon after a months-long debate that divided the country.
Ministers erupted in celebration as the landmark result was handed down, with many shedding tears of joy and embracing.
A rainbow flag was brought into the room by a minister who proudly held it aloft as the viewing gallery cheered.
Patrons pose under a rainbow flag inside The Stonewall Hotel on Thursday in Sydney to celebrate the historic moment
In a rare moment of unity inside Parliament, the prime minister and opposition leader even shared a smile and a handshake.
‘What a day, what a day for love, for equality, for respect. Australia has done it!’ an impassioned Malcolm Turnbull said immediately following the announcement.
‘Today we’ve voted for love, for equality. It’s time for more marriages, more love, more respect. This belongs to us all. This is Australia.’
People inside the Stonewall Hotel in Sydney applaud the passing of the Gay Marriage Bill on Thursday afternoon