Things to Know About Marriage Equality in Australia

Australia is gearing up for a postal survey on same-sex marriage, which could pave the way for marriage equality in the country.

If you’re an Australian citizen, make sure you enroll to participate in the postal survey today. Enrollment ends on August 24–less than 24 hours away at the time of posting. You can check your enrollment status at check.aec.gov.au/.

Here are some other key dates to keep in mind:

• August 24, 2017 – Final date to enroll or update your details.
• From September 12, 2017 – Survey forms posted and collection period begins.
• From September 25 to October 20, 2017 – Overseas Australians can cast a “paperless vote” via the ABS website or over the phone. Continue to check the ABS website for more details on how to vote.
• October 18, 2017 – Final date to request replacement forms.
• October 27, 2017 – Australians are “strongly encouraged” to return forms by this date.
• November 7, 2017 – Final date to return forms.
• November 15, 2017 – Results released.

Though Australia’s postal survey on marriage equality is non-binding and carries some legal questions, Australia’s prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, has assured the public that the bill to legalize marriage equality “will absolutely sail through” parliament if the majority of Australians vote yes. This means that Australian same-sex couples could finally marry the person they love by the year’s end.

So it is important for all Australians, whether you’re in Australia or overseas, to enroll and vote “yes” to bring marriage equality Down Under.

HRC supports the efforts of Australian LGBTQ advocates and allies to achieve marriage equality in their country and has partnered with Australian Marriage Equality (AME), the preeminent national organization working on the issue. HRC Global staff visited Australia in July 2015 and in February 2016 to share strategic advice from the successful campaign for marriage equality in the U.S.

Learn more about HRC Global’s work around the world here.

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