Nerves and anticipation have erupted into jubilation for supporters of marriage equality as they received the news that Australia had voted 'yes' in the same sex marriage postal survey.
A clear majority of 61.7 percent of participants voted in favour of legalising marriage between same sex couples -- and the 'yes' campaigners couldn't have been more excited:
The Melbourne reaction #MarriageEqualitypic.twitter.com/4Ye3VOd5NR
β Tom Cowie (@tom_cowie) November 14, 2017
Twitter also exploded with the news:
Politicians who have come out in support of same sex marriage joined the celebrations, most notable among them long-time supporter Labor senator Penny Wong, who told HuffPost Australia she was "really relieved" with the result.
In the lead up to the release of results, she told reporters in Canberra that the outcome would be "a profoundly important statement about what sort of country we are".
What a day for her. Labor senator @SenatorWong listens to the #MarriageEquality result. @mearesy picture. #auspolpic.twitter.com/kFZN288ISw
β Stephanie Peatling (@srpeatling) November 14, 2017
A tearful Senator Penny Wong was embraced by senators after the same-sex marriage survey result was announced pic.twitter.com/MUpX0GXxSs
β andrew meares (@mearesy) November 14, 2017
Other public figures, including five-time Olympic gold medallist and openly gay man Ian Thorpe, were also celebrating.
But it was not only Australians who were waiting with baited breath at 10am on Wednesday. The world was also watching.
It's been four years since New Zealand legalised same sex marriage, three years since the United Kingdom joined suit and two years since same sex marriage becoming legislated in all US states, but that didn't stop pro-same sex marriage politicians, celebrities and even CEOs applauding Australia for its collective decision.
the Australian people have spoken loud and clear. #LoveIsLove π³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβπ pic.twitter.com/FMQ1tDc9yY
β sia (@Sia) November 14, 2017
#Australia ... ππ» #MarriageEquality π Love is love, always was love, always will be love.
β kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) November 14, 2017
YES AUSTRALIA! WELL DONE #SSM!
β Boy George (@BoyGeorge) November 14, 2017
Congratulations to Australia on their incredible show of support for #marriageequality! What an amazing achievement for the Australian LGBTIQ* Community.
β€οΈππππ
β New Zealand Labour (@nzlabour) November 15, 2017
Cheers to #Australia who voted with a resounding YES! for #MarriageEquality! Can't wait to celebrate with you in January. π³οΈβπ
β Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 15, 2017