So, The Plebiscite Is (Well And Truly) Dead And Labor Has Blocked The Proposed Bill To Ban Refugees Too

The Government's proposed plebiscite on same-sex marriage has officially been defeated in the Senate. Meanwhile, Labor has also said it will block the Coalition's proposed bill to ban refugees from ever entering Australia.

According to the ABC, the same-sex marriage plebiscite was voted down on Monday night in the Upper House 33 votes to 29.

To secure a majority number against the bill, Labor and the Greens were joined by the Nick Xenophon Team and Derryn Hinch.

Attorney-General George Brandis has warned that the defeat will result in delaying same-sex marriage in Australia for years to come.

However, those against the bill were concerned that the campaign would be emotionally tormenting and divisive, reports Nine News.

Australian Marriage Equality chairman Alex Greenwich said, "The past 12 months has been a very difficult time for the LGBTI community... We now need to make sure that we channel the frustration of the plebisicte into passionate advocacy to achieve this reform."

The final decision marks the end of 14 months of debate, beginning with a motion initially put forward by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

In other news, the ABC reports the Labor caucus has voted against the Liberal party's proposed lifetime ban on asylum seekers from coming to Australia.

"I'm satisfied the Labor Party have finally buckled to public pressure and announced that they will oppose the government's cruel and inhumane laws to ban asylum seekers who arrive by boat from ever entering Australia," said Independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

"This is a victory for everyone in the community who stood up and made their voices heard."

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon has also spoken out about Labor's decision.

Even though it seems like politicians have been getting busy over at Parliament house today, apparently not everyone is that excited.

Absolute gold.

Photo: ABC (Insiders Program)