After Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote, Australian politicians and the public took to social media to express their opinion on the topic -- with an overwhelming number calling for a similar change Down Under.
On Twitter, past and present Australian politicians from the traditionally left-leaning parties, including independents, the Australian Greens and the Labor Party, expressed admiration for Ireland and support for marriage equality in Australia.
Outstanding result for marriage equality in Ireland. If we can't break impasse in Oz parliament, perhaps time for referendum of our own. KR— Kevin Rudd (@MrKRudd) May 23, 2015
Very exciting to see Ireland embrace equality. Time for Australia to catch up is well and truly overdue! #marriageeqaulity— sarah hanson-young (@sarahinthesen8) May 24, 2015
Ireland today, Australia when? Time for @billshortenmp @TonyAbbottMHR to end discrimination and vote for #marriageequality.— Christine Milne (@senatormilne) May 23, 2015
Time for Australia and our Parliament to embrace marriage equality. Congratulations Ireland— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) May 23, 2015
Inspiring to see Ireland's march towards equality. Let's hope live wins the day and Australia follows next. #IrelandVoteYes— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) May 23, 2015
While those traditionally opposed to same-sex marriage, such as Lyle Shelton, managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby, doubled down.
Disappointing to see marriage redefined in Ireland. Children lose the legal & cultural assumption that biological parents matter.— Lyle Shelton (@LyleShelton) May 23, 2015
Despite 2014 polls showing the majority of Australians believe in marriage equality, the issue remains politically contentious. In 2013, Australia's Capital Territory became the country's first district to legalise gay marriage. Not long after, the Federal Government challenged the bill in the High Court, citing inconsistency with national laws. The legislation, as well as the unions of 31 married couples, were eventually deemed invalid.
The likelihood of an Australian referendum, similar to that held in Ireland, remains low. The prime minister, Tony Abbott, told the ABC on Sunday he had no plans to introduce a national vote. "There are a range of views inside the Parliament ... and frankly, there are a range of views inside my family," he said. "It is a serious issue ... If it comes before our Parliament again, our party room will deal with it. Our party room will decide whether our existing policy continues or not, and then we'll have a good debate."
The prime minister remains an opponent of marriage equality.
Liberal Senator Zed Seselja told the ABC on Sunday a referendum should be considered. "If you are going to make such a fundamental change it should go to a referendum. I think there is a reasonable argument for that," he said.
On social media, many expressed regret and were baffled by Australia remaining so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to equal rights.
If you told me 10yrs ago: Ireland... Alaska.... UTAH. Would have marriage equality before Australia I'd have laughed in your face! #auspol— Stephen (@TheAviator1992) May 23, 2015
So now Australia is more racist than apartheid South Africa & more homophobic than Ireland. How quickly a country can descend.— Jane Caro (@JaneCaro) May 23, 2015
Hard to believe that Ireland, Catholic Ireland, has beaten Australia to marriage equality. Good on them, but how embarrassing for us.— Michael Bachelard (@mbachelard) May 23, 2015
C'mon #auspol #IrelandSaidYES to #marriageeqaulity so can we. pic.twitter.com/VJ4bbSLc5o— Fr Rod Bower (@FrBower) May 23, 2015
Congrats #Ireland for voting 'Yes'. It is time for #Australia to embrace social progressive change i.e gay marriage. #IrelandSaidYES #auspol— Jieh-Yung Lo (@jiehyunglo) May 24, 2015
Members of Australia's two major political parties -- the Labor and Liberal party -- have called for a conscience vote on a parliamentary bill allowing same-sex marriage. Such a vote would allow members to vote as they believe, and not along party lines.
"Ireland’s vote for marriage equality is a win for Australia because it will increase momentum for marriage equality here," Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome said in a statement. "It will inspire marriage equality supporters to work harder for reform, push more politicians to support it and quash the myth that Catholics and other people of faith oppose marriage equality."
Billy Cantwell, editor of Irish-Australian newspaper the Irish Echo told ABC News he hoped the Irish vote would add new fire to the fight in Australia.
"I think it'll put heat on all democracies that haven't actually adopted legislation in this area to actually have another look at it; I hope it does," he said.