Australia became the 26th nation to legalize same-sex marriage Thursday, prompting cheers and singing from a packed Parliament public gallery in a country where some states ruled homosexual acts to be illegal until just 20 years ago.

Lawmakers, who had cast aside a conservative push to allow religious objectors to refuse service to same-sex couples, waved rainbow flags and embraced on the floor of the chamber, after the overwhelming vote in favor of the bill.

"What a moment for the country," said Christine Forster, a Sydney councilor and the sister of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, standing among throngs of rainbow-clad campaigners for a "Yes" vote, outside Parliament with her female partner.

Abbott, who is still a member of Parliament, was one of the most prominent "No" campaigners. He left the chamber before the vote.

The bill cleared the upper house last month.

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