Australia's House of Representatives voted to pass same-sex marriage into law Thursday Dec 07,2017

Same-sex marriage will officially be legalised in Australia after both houses of Parliament voted in favour of the historic change. 

The House of Representatives voted to pass same-sex marriage into law on Thursday afternoon Dec 07,2017 after a months-long public debate that has created tension and division.

Ministers erupted in celebration as the landmark result was handed down, with many shedding tears of joy and embracing.

A rainbow flag was brought into the room by a minister who proudly held it aloft as the viewing gallery cheered.

In a rare moment of unity inside Parliament, the prime minister and opposition leader even shared a smile and a handshake.

'What a day, what a day for love, for equality, for respect. Australia has done it!' an impassioned PM Malcolm Turnbull said immediately following the announcement.

'Today we've voted for love, for equality. It's time for more marriages, more love, more respect. This belongs to us all. This is Australia.'

The first weddings are expected to be held in early January 2018, because couples are required to give 30 days advance notice for nuptials under existing laws