sydney australia upper house senate wednesday pass measure legalize same-sex marriage perhaps soon next week lawmakers dismiss conservative push allow religious objectors refuse service same-sex couple australians overwhelmingly endorse legalize same-sex marriage postal survey run national statistics agency bill easily pass senate 43 vote 12. conservative lawmakers press broad protections religious objectors among florists bakers musicians refuse service same-sex couple amendments lay celebrants refuse solemnize same-sex marriages permit caterers oppose unions refuse service wed receptions either defeat abandon two days debate senate same-sex marriage supporters majority australian people vote lessen discrimination extend senate respect vote reject amendments seek extend discrimination derail marriage equality labor senator penny wong vote amendments tell parliament bill move low house next week conservative lawmakers hope renew push add measure exempt objectors same-sex marriage exist laws discrimination think make change way advance right fully say center-right national party senator matt canavan prime minister malcolm turnbull liberal-national coalition government main opposition labor party say want pass law parliament dec. 7. legislation pass expect australia become 26th nation legalize same-sex marriage watershed country state hold homosexual activity illegal 1997. same-sex marriage bill clear australia 's senate