IN A NATION’S EMBRACE Historic decision ends pain

CATHY O’Toole is ecstatic at the fact she is one step closer to seeing all three of her children happily married.

The Herbert MP was overwhelmed when watching the results of the same- sex marriage postal survey yesterday.

Mrs O’Toole said she “sat with tears streaming down my face” as the definitive victory for the “Yes” campaign – 61 per cent – was revealed.

“For me, this has always been an issue of equality and human rights,” she said.

“My two other children are married. It has been incredibly difficult … how can two of my children be allowed to marry and not the other?”

Mrs O’Toole said she was proud of her Townsville electorate’s response to the survey, with the “Yes” vote in Herbert at 62.8 per cent.

“Herbert has spoken very loudly for equality and has shown that we value our LGBTIQ brothers and sisters,” she said.

“We have amazing young people in Townsville. What it shows is that they are engaged in the debate, young people understand the meaning of equality and human rights. It obviously matters to them.

“The older people, the Participation rates: males 71.8%, females 76.5% Participation rates: males 69%, females 72% people who had the hard, vicious fight in the ’ 70s and ’ 80s, who were belted and jailed … the violence was horrific for them and this is a bittersweet moment.”

Graham Lebbern, 61, said the survey result had nearly brought him to tears.

“I am very, very pleased with the fact the majority of Australia want this,” he said.

Just hours after the result was revealed, draft laws to legalise same- sex marriage were introduced into the Senate, with debate to start today.

Attorney- General George Brandis said he expected gay marriage to be legalised by Christmas but the date could be as early as December 14.

That would mean Australia will be the 27th country to legislate marriage equality.

If legislation is passed, local Liz Brooks says she will legally commit to her partner of 14 years next October.

“I am just relieved and thankful that the community, which have told me they love and treasure my partner and I, has literally stepped up and voted yes for equality in our country,” Ms Brooks said.

“As much as the survey was divisive and very cruel at times … it’s achieved an outcome and the outcome is that the country supports us to be equal in the eyes of the law with marriage.

“I think it’s a passionate topic – as Magda Szubanski said, I don’t know if there’s anyone in this country who wouldn’t know someone or know someone’s someone who identifies as LGBTIQ, and I think that means the whole country is affected by this.”