Koroit’s Shayne Cox and Jackie Wallis hope to be legally married before Christmas after widespread support for same-sex marriage laws.
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The couple popped the champagne corks on Wednesday when the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey result was announced, with south-west voters mirroring the national vote.
They were married earlier this year at an intimate ceremony at Mickey Bourke’s Hotel but are now looking forward to a legal union soon.
“We have had nothing but support from the township,” Ms Wallis said. “Hopefully we can do it before Christmas.”
They said they wouldn’t have another wedding, but would probably go to Melbourne and have a small celebration with friends.
“A lot of people say a piece of paper doesn’t really mean anything, but to us it legitimises everything,” Ms Wallis said. They thanked Australians for voting yes.
“It was a hard-fought, horrible campaign,” Ms Wallis said.
“But, we have won.”
The results of the historic vote showed 61 per cent of respondents in the Wannon electorate voted yes, while 39 per cent voted no.
In the Corangamite electorate 71.6 per cent of respondents voted yes, while 28.4 per cent voted no.
Wannon matched the overall figure with 61 per cent voting in favour nationally.
Turn-out for the survey was strong, with 87 per cent of eligible Wannon residents voting, significantly higher than the national rate of 79.5 per cent.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the result was "an unprecedented exercise in democracy".
He is called on politicians to respect the will of the people and wants legislation passed by Christmas.
Debate on proposed legislation is expected to begin on Thursday.