Supporters of the same-sex civil unions bill gather ahead of tonight's debate. Credit:Daniel Hurst @kathhornbuckle: We may be an hour behind the rest of the country but tonight we've certainly proven we aren't a backward state. QLD says yes to #civilunionsl

We may be an hour behind the rest of the country but tonight we've certainly proven we aren't a backward state. QLD says yes to #civilunionsl @paperholly: There are 40 people in this country right now who are definitely going to be remembered as being on the wrong side of history #civilunions

There are 40 people in this country right now who are definitely going to be remembered as being on the wrong side of history #civilunions @chelsthomas87: Congratulations Qld!! Civil unions are on! Thanks to the 47 who said yes to the human rights movement tonight #gayrights #civilunions

Congratulations Qld!! Civil unions are on! Thanks to the 47 who said yes to the human rights movement tonight #gayrights #civilunions @lyndsayj: Still can't get over the fact Queensland passed #CivilUnions legislation. Truly momentous.

Still can't get over the fact Queensland passed #CivilUnions legislation. Truly momentous. @nathanscholz: Great, now #civilunions has passed, as predicted my marriage has ... no wait, hang on, no change.

Great, now #civilunions has passed, as predicted my marriage has ... no wait, hang on, no change. @mattheworbit: Being in the gallery, watching live as the Civil Unions bill was passed was one great moment in my life. Having one will be another. Thanku.

Being in the gallery, watching live as the Civil Unions bill was passed was one great moment in my life. Having one will be another. Thanku. @mikeb476: I don't think civil unions are enough. But it's nice to be part of the generation that regards anti-LGBTQ discrimination as unacceptable.

I don't think civil unions are enough. But it's nice to be part of the generation that regards anti-LGBTQ discrimination as unacceptable. @Kate_E_Higgins: Why I love my brother. His thoughts on civil unions: "It's another case of separate but equal, but hey, we'll get there."

Why I love my brother. His thoughts on civil unions: "It's another case of separate but equal, but hey, we'll get there." @gvandersee: So @TheQldPremier & @andrewFraserMP have their last victory before election? Then time to fix up their failures... #qldpol 11.50pm: One of those who was in the public gallery for the passage of the bill, Mathew Burke, of Annerley, says the civil unions victory is “just another step on the road to equality”. Mr Burke plans to join a rally outside this weekend’s national Labor party conference in Sydney, where delegates will discuss changing the party’s opposition to same-sex marriage. “Personally if the opportunity was available to me I would go the marriage option rather than civil unions, however in lieu of marriage equality you can’t underestimate what civil unions can mean,” he says.

11.30pm: A crowd of about 60 people outside State Parliament has given Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser a hero's welcome, after the civil unions bill got the nod. "Thank you for being at the forefront of what is a great day for Queensland," Mr Fraser tells supporters, who watched every moment of the debate in the public gallery. "Go forth and celebrate. I've got other work to do," Mr Fraser says, before zipping back into the House. Shelley Argent, of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, says civil unions will make a difference to same-sex couples, allowing members to prove their relationship, for example when visiting their partner in hospital. "I'm feeling quite overwhelmed and I think it'll probably sink in tomorrow," she says.

11.12pm: A motion that the bill be read a third time was passed 47-40 again. The long title was then agreed to, signalling the formal passage of the bill. 11.06pm: Civil unions are set to be introduced in Queensland. A motion that the bill be read a second time has secured majority support. Four Labor MPs ended up voting against it – Jo Ann Miller, Michael Choi, Geoff Wilson and Margaret Keech. Independent MP for Nicklin Peter Wellington joined the majority of Labor MPs in supporting it, but all the other crossbenchers and independents voted against. The LNP voted as a bloc against it. The vote was 47-40. A loud applause rings out in the chamber and in the public gallery. Speaker John Mickel is not impressed with the celebration, saying order must be restored. 11pm: A vote has been called and a division is being taken. Results for you soon. 10.58pm: Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser, summing up, joins Mr Wellington in slamming the Australian Families Association for threatening to campaign against MPs who support civil unions.

“Well I hope they tell everyone in this state how we voted,” he says. “This is not a secret vote. It is not a ballot of shame ... It is a moment of pride.” 10.55pm: The bill looks set to pass. Independent MP for Nicklin Peter Wellington, who has previously stayed quiet on which way he’d go, has pledged support. After reading out many opinions from both sides of the debate, he slams the Australian Families Association for threatening to campaign against any MP who voted for civil unions. “I will vote for what I think is right and just and I will not be intimidated,” a fired-up Mr Wellington says.

“I will support this bill.” Mr Wellington says he does not wear his Christianity as a badge on his chest, but his God would not wish any ill will against a person simply because of their genetic makeup. He says the bill will simply provide a relationships registry. “I am proud that I am able to vote according to what is right and just and I am not intimidated by any interest group.” Mr Fraser is now summing up the arguments and a vote will be taken soon.

10.39pm: Townsville Labor MP Mandy Johnstone says if she had the choice between being raised by a loving same-sex couple or by a "loveless abusive heterosexual marriage" in breakdown she knows which one she'd prefer. Labor Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall says he recalls his wedding as the happiest day of his life - not because he and his wife looked forward to the legal process but because of the chance to declare their love and commitment before friends and family. Mr Wettenhall says couples should not be denied that right, regardless of the gender of members. "This bill can do no harm to anyone," he says. Education Minister Cameron Dick also backs the bill. 10.28pm: Labor’s Barbara Stone (Springwood) says she’s very disappointed she can’t be at Elton John’s concert in Brisbane tonight, noting John is in a committed long-term same-sex relationship.

“While it really did hurt me to give away those tickets, I am very glad to be here tonight as part of this historic occasion,” she says. “I’d really like to say to all of you, tonight this is your song.” Labor MP Evan Moorhead (Waterford) has also pledged support, reading from a letter from a Christian mother of a gay child. Desley Scott (Woodridge) says she’s struggled with it, but she is supportive because she wants to “remove one barrier of exclusion” and is committed to the principle of doing no harm. 10.20pm: To sum up, so far three Labor MPs - Geoff Wilson, Michael Choi and Margaret Keech - have pledged to oppose the bill (scroll down to see their reasons). Labor's Jo-Ann Miller has publicly declared she will oppose it but is yet to speak. That makes four Labor MPs against so far. My understanding is the bill will fail if seven Labor MPs vote against, assuming all crossbenchers and LNP members vote against. Here is my previous story on the lay of the land.

10.15pm: Let’s shift our focus from the parliamentary debate for a moment and check out what’s happening in the Twitterverse. Here is a selection of tweets from the #civilunions stream: @mikestuchbery: God, if this is the way Queensland handles #civilunions, I can't wait to see them get to female suffrage. #qldpol

God, if this is the way Queensland handles #civilunions, I can't wait to see them get to female suffrage. #qldpol @Beck4Morayfield: @ryanmoore3 i find the correlation between #civilunions and homophobia an oversimplification. How will it prevent victimisation?

@ryanmoore3 i find the correlation between #civilunions and homophobia an oversimplification. How will it prevent victimisation? @mytogaglows: Why does a room full of straight people get to decide the outcome for LGBT people? #civilunions

Why does a room full of straight people get to decide the outcome for LGBT people? #civilunions @elizabethdanger: breaking twitter break to say that if #civilunions bill doesn't pass, I'm starting my own country based on comic books. 10.03pm: Labor Member for Albert Margaret Keech, as previously foreshadowed, declares her opposition to the bill. She says civil unions mimic marriage in all but name and thus weaken the institution of marriage. Ms Keech also notes that same-sex couples generally want access to marriage, not to be treated differently though a civil partnership. She says the issues are “challenging” and she’s disappointed to have been called homophobic. “Although I respect the equality of all people and recognise loving same-sex relationships, I do not support radical change to the long-standing definition of marriage.”

Meanwhile, Labor MPs Paul Hoolihan (Keppel), Murray Watt (Everton), Mark Ryan (Morayfield) and Julie Attwood (Mt Ommaney) have pledged their support for the bill, as has frontbencher Simon Finn. 9.47pm: Health Minister Geoff Wilson becomes emotional as he says his working class background and Christian faith have been the pillars of his life. “This is what drives me and inspires me and has led me to be where I am,” he says. He says it is a conscience vote and he must vote with conscience and he’s proud his party has allowed him to do so. Mr Wilson says until a few days ago, he thought he could support the bill, and had said so. But the more he has thought about he came to realise that “unfortunately I can’t support the bill”.

He says he believes in the biblical view of marriage but understands there is diversity of opinion about this, including within the Christian community. Mr Wilson says he supports same-sex and de facto couples being afforded legal spousal rights but he doesn’t believe in the creation of a new legal type of relationship. He says laws passed conferring the benefits and obligations of de facto marriage on same-sex couples are an “appropriate expression of social justice but it also looks to reinforce and protect the status of de facto relationships and all those who depend on them”. “Both opposite and same-sex de facto relationships require features similar to those of marriage, particularly regarding exclusivity and permanence,” he says, expressing concern civil unions would not emphasise those features. As Mr Wilson takes his seat, Ms Bligh gives him a supportive pat on the back.

9.35pm: Labor MPs Grace Grace (Brisbane Central) and Jason O’Brien (Cook) have voiced support. Mr O’Brien says: “Surely what the world needs now is more people declaring their love for each other now.” 9.23pm: Labor MP for Bulimba Di Farmer also supports the bill. She acknowledges she received correspondence from people urging her to vote against, but says she cannot make a decision on human rights and equality on the basis of whether people will vote for her at the next election. Labor’s Kate Jones, who is battling to hold onto her seat of Ashgrove, the electorate LNP leader Campbell Newman is hoping to win, also backs the bill, and takes some pot-shots against the opposition. Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk (Inala) says love knows no boundaries. "If people want to formalise their love for one another, why should we stand in their way?" Ms Palaszczuk says the civil unions bill will have a positive effect on young gay and lesbian people as it will “reinforce the message that these are healthy and these are loving relationships”. It will be a celebration of acceptance, tolerance and diversity, she says.

9.12pm: Independent MP for Nanango Dorothy Pratt says she doesn’t believe anyone should be treated badly, but she opposes the bill. She takes issue with a letter she received which began “I am a young queer person”. Ms Pratt doesn’t like the word. “None of us are queer, we are all just human beings,” she says. Ms Pratt says she is unhappy that she has been labelled ignorant and a bigot for opposing the bill, saying she doesn’t believe she reinforces homophobia. She doesn’t ask people she meets about their religion, sexuality or political beliefs. Ms Pratt says the story of a person who was denied the chance to see an ill partner in hospital was “extremely sad” and she accepts the homosexual community sees it as a human rights issue. However, she says she also accepts many people of religious belief view the bill as being about marriage.

9.04pm: Independent MP for Maryborough Chris Foley says he doesn’t mean anyone any disrespect, but says kids would choose if they could to have a mum and a dad. “I have a number of gay friends,” he says. In fact, Mr Foley argues gay people can go straight, drawing groans from other MPs. Mr Foley speaks of a gay friend of his who once cracked on to him. “He would be one of the gayest people I have ever met,” he states, saying the man had a handbag and lipstick. “This particular gentleman has been a friend of mine over 30 years. He has since changed his mind in terms of relationships and he has gone on to marry his wife and had four children.”

Mr Foley also argues that same-sex civil unions could help shift boundaries, and worries it will lead to an “anything goes” approach where polygamy, polyandry, polyamory could not be called wrong. 8.52pm: Capalaba MP Michael Choi is the first Labor MP to speak against the bill. He had already announced he would do so. But Mr Choi heaps praise on Ms Bligh for allowing a conscience vote. “I must be honest with my own conscience because without it I will be reduced to a walking carcass,” he says. Mr Choi says a civil union would only be applicable when people were living in Queensland, because it is a state law. He says he believes the law should be consistent regardless of where you live in this country. Legal status of two persons should not change when they cross the state border. He says he agrees legislators have “no place in regulating love” or any human emotion, but they do legislate the consequences of those emotions.

He says he accepts that “society’s collective conscience” on this issue has changed, but every individual member of society must be allowed their own conscience. “I have struggled and argued with myself over and over but in the end I could not support this bill,” he says. “To those I have disappointed and hurt with my position I’m sorry. For those who stand by and support me, thank you.” Mr Choi adds that since he was elected, he had supported allowing same-sex couples to have the same rights regarding taxes, property laws and inheritance, and he will continue to support that. 8.38pm: Labor MP for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, who yesterday said he was still deciding, tells Parliament he'll support the bill, as does Burleigh's Christine Smith.

8.32pm: Gladstone independent MP Liz Cunningham opposes the bill, saying she does not want to ridicule or vilify anyone; in fact says many gay people are “of great worth”. However she says she will hold true to her personal values. “It’s about respecting faith and core values, many who are shared by those in my electorate.” 8.24pm: My touch typing may not be up to speed, but thankfully I can reproduce the speech by Katter’s Australian Party MP Aidan McLindon in its entirety. “I believe marriage is between a man and a woman,” he says, before taking his seat again. (Update: A later speech by the other Katter's Australian Party MP, LNP defector Shane Knuth, is similarly brief and sticks to the same theme.) 8.23pm: Community Services Minister Karen Struthers delivers a rousing speech, managing to slip in a Little Britain reference about the fact gay people in the public gallery represent many others in the community. “Mr Speaker ­– They’re not the only gays in the village,” she says, to laughter.

Ms Struthers says Mr Bleijie “couldn’t even say the word gay” during his opposing speech on behalf of the LNP. She says civil unions – or even same-sex marriage for that matter – would not undermine the sanctity of marriage. “It’s not rocket science. Bad marriages undermine the sanctity of marriage. Violent marriages undermine the sanctity of marriage, forced marriages undermine the sanctity of marriage, marriages in which children are abused or women are abused, that’s what undermines the sanctity of marriage.” 8.20pm: Labor MP for Pine Rivers Carolyn Male says she understands some people have genuine religious concerns, but “society will not be any worse” as a result of the bill, in fact it would recognise strong, stable, loving relationships. Ms Male says times are changing all across the world and if she were born in 1866 instead of 1966 she wouldn’t be allowed to go outside by herself, vote in elections, serve as an MP or be allowed to be known by her maiden name rather than her husband’s surname.

“Times change, societies change, and we as legislators need to ensure our laws change to reflect that.” Ms Male says the civil unions bill has nothing to do with marriage, and she draws a laugh from the public gallery when she asserts: “This bill has nothing to do with anal sex.” 8.05pm: Labor Member for Murrumba Dean Wells, who chaired the committee that looked into the bill, says Christians did not speak with one voice over the bill because opinions varied. Mr Wells refers to the story of a man whose partner was seriously ill in hospital, noting that evidence of a civil union would help grant access to see a loved one in such circumstances. “His partner died without seeing his partner again. Compassion I think dictates we have some regard to these circumstances,” Mr Wells says.

“It’s in extremities such as people in intensive care units or people who find themselves on the other side of the world with no capacity to have a decision made on their behalf.” Mr Wells also takes on the argument the civil unions would not be good for children. He says a child would be better off if the parents – whether heterosexual or homosexual – have a legal commitment to each other. 7.53pm: Ms Bligh is now picking a fight with the “religious right”. Ramping up her attack, the Premier says the religious right has taken over the LNP. “The religious right now has grip on what were once small-l liberal thinkers,” she says, slamming "the rise of extremism". 7.48pm: Premier Anna Bligh rubbishes the LNP’s arguments, saying claims about improper processes are always “the refuge of cowards”.

“Do not be conned by the argument that if they had more time they would be the right and decent thing,” she says of the LNP, which is voting as a bloc against it. By saying it is not a priority, the LNP seems to be saying the government should only do things on top of list and never do things for the minority, Ms Bligh says. The Premier says tonight is “fundamentally a debate about human rights” and the bill aims to “strike a blow against prejudice and strike a blow against discrimination”. 7.45pm: Mr Bleijie downplays the importance of civil unions, saying Queenslanders want debates on significant issues, and “the LNP will prioritise the issues for all Queenslanders”. He says civil unions “will not save people money” or get the state’s AAA credit rating back. Mr Bleijie finishes by saying Mr Fraser is putting spin and stunts before helping the majority of Queenslanders. 7.43pm: Try before you buy? Mr Bleijie asks why there is a 10-day cooling off option included in the bill for civil partnership registration. He likens it to a "try before you buy clause". He goes on to chide Mr Fraser for lowering the level of debate by criticising opponents as having "dark hearts".

7.40pm: Shadow Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie says he’ll be putting the case against, on behalf of the LNP members. He accuses Mr Fraser of pushing the bill only “to stitch up a Greens preference deal”. Mr Fraser says the claim is offensive and untrue and asks for them to be withdrawn, which Mr Bleijie does. Mr Bleijie says there was inadequate consultation for this “monumental social change”. It’s a stunt, evidenced by the speed with which it was pursued. He also says the Federal Parliament has already made changes to a range of laws to ensure same-sex couples experience no legal discrimination. 7.36pm: Mr Fraser take a swipe at the LNP, saying its predecessors had previously argued against decriminalising homosexuality two decades ago by claiming it would lead to the destabilisation of the family unit and the breakdown of society. He says the LNP MPs “will be voting as drones” against the bill, without MPs each being allowed a free vote. This point draws applause from the packed public gallery. Speaker John Mickel warns he won’t tolerate outbursts from members of the public. 7.30pm: As Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser rises to begin the debate, it's worth keeping in mind how close this vote is shaping up to be. Here is our story from yesterday about the fact the bill will fail if seven Labor MPs join with the opposition and crossbenchers to vote against. brisbanetimes.com.au has spoken to Labor MPs today who expect only three or four of their colleagues will oppose it, meaning it should pass narrowly. 7.28pm: The bells are ringing in State Parliament, with MPs milling back into the chamber after the dinner break. There are some who did not want this debate to proceed tonight, arguing normal processes were being short-circuited. Here is the story from this afternoon.

7.25pm: With Elton John performing in Brisbane tonight, there was some buzz on Twitter that he may drop into the civil unions rally outside Parliament. The rumours turned out to be just that ... rumours. However, one person at the rally quietly offered to organise for some drag queens to turn up in Elton attire. Here are a handful of tweets ahead of the #civilunions debate at 7.30pm: @StMarysInExile: Will #Elton John be announcing the passing of the Qld #Civil Union Bill at his Brisbane concert tonite? Lets hope so.

Will #Elton John be announcing the passing of the Qld #Civil Union Bill at his Brisbane concert tonite? Lets hope so. @stuiiii: @TheQldPremier why a conscience vote and not part of the party platform? Let's get serious, Premier. Let's get equal. #qldpol #civilunions

@TheQldPremier why a conscience vote and not part of the party platform? Let's get serious, Premier. Let's get equal. #qldpol #civilunions @Scott_ST: Ok I shaved my head off for cancer research, I think the least the pollies could do is give us #civilunions in QLD #qldpol

Ok I shaved my head off for cancer research, I think the least the pollies could do is give us #civilunions in QLD #qldpol @Qlder: Tracey Davis MP says in local paper she has only had 5 people contact her on #civilunions. #nothepublicsbiggestissue #qldpol 7.10pm: Brisbane man Chad St James, who came to the rally holding a bouquet, wearing body paint, and bearing a half-bride half-groom split appearance, says afterwards he’s hopeful the bill will pass. “At the end of the day by them passing a bill like this they are helping to bring equality and sending a message to the younger community we’re not different and shouldn’t be segregated,” he says.

Jason Russo, from Queensland Association for Healthy Communities, has a message for MPs who are yet to make up their minds. “Think about their own marriage, think about their own lives, think about their own children, then think about others and the right for equality,” he says. 6.10pm: Shelley Argent, from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, says the prospect of Parliament passing a bill to recognise civil unions is exciting. “When my son James came out in '95, all he had was the right to be gay and that was it and I thought this is not good enough,” she says, recalling later advances for same-sex couples including de facto rights and the chance to have a baby through altruistic surrogacy. Mrs Argent says the civil unions legislation means her son will be able to obtain a piece of paper “allowing him to show that he has a valid relationship”, something that could help in next-of-kin situations or when visiting a sick partner in hospital.

“All this legislation does is improve when you need to prove when you’re in a relationship that you are,” she says, dismissing claims it has anything to do with marriage or religion. Mrs Argent also takes a swipe at LNP leader Campbell Newman, for saying he personally supports same-sex marriage but being at the helm of a party whose MPs will be bound to vote against civil unions. Labor MPs will be allowed the freedom to vote according to their individual consciences. 6.05pm: Premier Anna Bligh says it is not just an issue of equality but also of love – and insists the bill is not a political stunt. Pointedly, she says those who claim it is a stunt are people who already enjoy the right to get married. 6pm: Timing is everything. Mr Fraser, who’s been championing the bill, tells the crowd it’s time to allow same-sex couples to formally register their relationships. “Tomorrow is in fact 21 years to the day that homosexuality was decriminalised in this state,” he says. “It seems to me that a useful coming of age in Queensland is to recognise the truth of human relationships.” Mr Fraser takes a swipe at those who have been criticising the bill being pushed through the Parliament as a “distraction” or a “stunt”, saying it is a worthwhile initiative that will make a difference to people.

5.50pm: Michael O'Brien, a gay man of Rip'N'Roll fame, tells the rally equality has been a long time coming. "I think today is really about bringing forward a message that I've heard time and time again, for the last six months, and that is very simple. Love is love, and we cannot be legislating against that." Senior members of the government are out in force at the rally. Premier Anna Bligh, Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser and Community Services Minister Karen Struthers are there, as are Brisbane Central MP Grace Grace and Waterford MP Evan Moorhead. 5.45pm: About 150 people have rallied outside Queensland Parliament to support the civil unions push, some holding placards like “Legislate for love”, “Equality is a right not a privilege” and “Another straight voter for human rights”. Jess Payne from Equal Love says the equality push matters and MPs should seize this “opportunity to be remembered for standing for something”. 5.30pm: Do you have a penchant for reports? If so, a parliamentary committee prepared a detailed report on the bill and how it'll operate in Queensland. And, in case you want to re-live the November 10 debate, here's how the committee's public hearings played out.

5.25pm: The bill is set for debate at 7.30pm tonight. But what exactly is a civil union? (We're not talking about an employee representative body that treats people nicely.) Basically, it would allow couples to register their relationship with the Queensland Registery of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Couples would be eligible to apply regardless of whether both members were the same or opposite gender - but not if they were already married. They may choose whether or not to have a ceremony as part of this process. Here is a link to the full bill and here are the explanatory notes. This reporter is on Twitter: @danielhurstbne Loading Be our fan on Facebook: /brisbanetimes

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