Australian parliament backs same-sex marriages

Same-sex marriage will become legal in Australia after a historic bill was passed in the House of Representatives.

An overwhelming majority of MPs voted to change the Marriage Act, eight days after a similarly decisive result in the Senate, BBC News reports.

The vote set off immediate celebrations in parliament, prompting cheers, applause and even a song.

The result brings an end to more than a decade of robust and often bitter debate on the issue.

"What a day for love, for equality, for respect," said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

"Australia has done it."

The legislation sailed through parliament without amendments after Australians overwhelmingly supported the reform in a voluntary national poll.

Australia's governor-general is expected to approve the bill in the coming days, marking its official passage
into law.