The Law Council of Australia has hailed the Australian Parliament for passing a historic bill legalising marriage equality and enshrining a fundamental human right.

“This is a tremendous day not just for LGBTQI Australians, but for Australian human rights and Australian justice,” says Law Council President, Fiona McLeod SC.

“Freedom from discrimination is a fundamental human right. Discrimination on arbitrary grounds, including sexual orientation, is contrary to Australia’s international human rights obligations.

“Parliament has delivered on the emphatic decision of the Australian people and helped embed this crucial right for LGBTQI Australians.”

“It was the Law Council's view that the marriage equality bill presented to Parliament already struck the right balance between protecting the right to religious freedom and the right to be free from discrimination,” Ms McLeod says.

“We are grateful that Parliament has formed the same view and we are pleased today that Australia has removed discrimination from the Marriage Act.”

The Law Council announced its original support for marriage equality shortly after the Marriage Act was amended in 2004 and supported a ‘yes’ vote during the recent postal survey.