Two years after Australia legally recognised same-sex marriage Australia Post is releasing two commemorative stamps to mark the historic legislation.
On 7 December 2017, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 passed Parliament and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
The legislation followed a voluntary postal vote with 61.6 per cent voting “Yes” to the question, “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?”.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Gary Starr said the stamp release recognises a significant moment in our nation’s history.
“With thousands of Australian same-sex couples having tied the knot since the law came into effect on 9 December 2017, the stamp release recognises a change that has impacted many Australians.”
Designed by Sharon Rodziewicz of Australia Post Design Studio the two $1 domestic base rate stamps feature:
$1 Love is Love
This design features the rainbow, long a symbol of same-sex unity, and the catchcry “Love is Love”, which was used by proponents of same-sex marriage during the postal vote campaign.
$1 Yes
David Bryant and Nick Higgins celebrate the postal vote result announcement on 15 November 2017 in Sydney and on the same day, Rebecca Davies and Paula Van Bruggen celebrate the result at the State Library, Melbourne.
Products associated with this issue include first day cover, stamp pack, and a maxicard set. The commemorative stamp issue Celebrating Marriage Equality in Australia is available from 1 October 2019 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last.
