sydney australians vote overwhelmingly same-sex marriage pave way legislation end 2017 spark rainbow celebrations wednesday people wear wed dress sequined suit declare love real australia become 26th nation formalize unions legislation pass parliament expect despite vocal opposition within government conservative right wing thousands people sydney park break loud cheer hug cry australia chief statistician reveal live big screen 61.6 percent voters survey favor marriage equality 38.4 percent australian olympic swimmer ian thorpe come gay three years ago say result huge relief mean way feel another person whoever may equal thorpe tell reporters sydney celebrations voluntary poll non-binding prime minister malcolm turnbull immediately say would fulfill pledge raise bill parliament aim pass laws christmas turnbull play concern split coalition government policy conservative faction press amendments protect religious freedoms discriminate same-sex couple unequivocal overwhelm speak millions vote overwhelmingly yes marriage equality turnbull tell reporters canberra survey result announce vote yes fairness yes commitment yes love marriage equality bill introduce parliament late wednesday result mark watershed moment gay right australia illegal state engage homosexual activity 1997. day way go australia tweet u.s. tv host ellen degeneres marry australian actress portia de rossi unite state almost 80 percent eligible voters take part survey high turnout britain brexit vote ireland same-sex marriage referendum mark barry 59 wipe away tear take result partner 35 years gerrard boller know celebrant go happy barry tell reuters irish-born qantas airways chief executive alan joyce one openly gay business leaders australia tell sydney crowd many shelter sun rainbow umbrellas result amaze outcome urge turnbull move quickly legislation turnbull pressure amid citizenship crisis cost deputy government majority parliament political analysts say resound yes vote present first opportunity months exert decisive control nick economou political scientist monash university say turnbull feel embolden result sort thing look show assertive leadership campaign seek leverage powerful religious organizations survey campaign criticize yes camp divisive aggressive catholic archbishop sydney anthony fisher say deeply disappoint likely result legislation deconstruct marriage family australia strength yes vote conservatives drop plan compete bill would allow private businesses refuse service like wed cake same-sex weddings object religious ground rainbow celebrations australians vote same-sex marriage